18 Minutes
21 April 1836
REMEMBER THE ALAMO. . . ..REMEMBER GOLIAD
18 minutes, that was all it took for the Texas Army, led by Gen Sam Houston, to rout Santa Anna and the Mexican Army, earning Texas its independence. Screaming Remember the Alamo, Remember Goliad, Houston's Army swept across the battlefield. These 18 minutes would not only shape the fate of a new nation but would forever change the landscape of the United States. Remember that in 1836, America only had 3 states west of the Mississippi (Arkansas would become a state that summer) and had no claims to the lands of Texas, the Southwest or California. Texas would remain a republic for the next decade, and it was recognized as an independent nation by France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The Texas "embassy" in London is still there, directly across from St James Palace, though the UK never "officially" recognized Texas due to their close relations with Mexico. On 29 Dec 1845, Texas would be admitted to the US as the 28th state and the only state admitted by treaty. John Steinbeck best summed up the attitude of Texas, which is neither southern nor Southwestern.
So today, we honor those brave men who stood up to Santa Anna's tyranny (the Saddam Hussein of the 19th Century). Those who gave their lives for a concept that was still in its infancy in the world: freedom and self-government. Long live Texas.
Some wonder why we call Santa Anna a tyrant, and the answer is simple. The original settlers came to Texas, where they were promised rights by the Mexican Constitution of 1824. The 1st 300 (actually 297) Stephen F Austin brought included by Great Great Grandfather, James J Ross who along with 2 others helped to found the town of Fayetteville Texas near Brenham (and the Blue Bell plant). There is a historical marker. When Santa Anna was elected President of Mexico in 1834, he tore up the Constitution, ending the rights of the citizens and ruling Mexico as a military dictator. Texas was not the only state to rebel and Santa Anna held power at the point of a sword, summilarly executing hundreds.
The Greatness of Gen Sam Houston was highlighted that day as well. Not only did the Runaway Scrape prove to be a very sound tactical retreat, which extended the Santa Anna army's supply lines but instead of hanging Santa Anna as many called for, he spared his life. Why? Well, the answer is easy, Mexican General Jose Urrea's army of over 1000 was advancing (though slowly, thanks to heavy rains) up the coast. It is doubtful the Texicans could defeat both armies. By keeping Santa Anna alive, he was forced to sign the Treaty of Velasco, which included the order for all Mexican forces to leave Texas.
PS, how fitting is it that a 6th and 7th generation Texan is married to a girl born on this day.
Happy Birthday Michelle
21 April 1836
REMEMBER THE ALAMO. . . ..REMEMBER GOLIAD
18 minutes, that was all it took for the Texas Army, led by Gen Sam Houston, to rout Santa Anna and the Mexican Army, earning Texas its independence. Screaming Remember the Alamo, Remember Goliad, Houston's Army swept across the battlefield. These 18 minutes would not only shape the fate of a new nation but would forever change the landscape of the United States. Remember that in 1836, America only had 3 states west of the Mississippi (Arkansas would become a state that summer) and had no claims to the lands of Texas, the Southwest or California. Texas would remain a republic for the next decade, and it was recognized as an independent nation by France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The Texas "embassy" in London is still there, directly across from St James Palace, though the UK never "officially" recognized Texas due to their close relations with Mexico. On 29 Dec 1845, Texas would be admitted to the US as the 28th state and the only state admitted by treaty. John Steinbeck best summed up the attitude of Texas, which is neither southern nor Southwestern.
“I have said that Texas is a state of mind, but I think it is more than that. It is a mystique closely approximating a religion. And this is true to the extent that people either passionately love Texas or passionately hate it . .. . . .. . , Texas is the obsession"
So today, we honor those brave men who stood up to Santa Anna's tyranny (the Saddam Hussein of the 19th Century). Those who gave their lives for a concept that was still in its infancy in the world: freedom and self-government. Long live Texas.
Some wonder why we call Santa Anna a tyrant, and the answer is simple. The original settlers came to Texas, where they were promised rights by the Mexican Constitution of 1824. The 1st 300 (actually 297) Stephen F Austin brought included by Great Great Grandfather, James J Ross who along with 2 others helped to found the town of Fayetteville Texas near Brenham (and the Blue Bell plant). There is a historical marker. When Santa Anna was elected President of Mexico in 1834, he tore up the Constitution, ending the rights of the citizens and ruling Mexico as a military dictator. Texas was not the only state to rebel and Santa Anna held power at the point of a sword, summilarly executing hundreds.
The Greatness of Gen Sam Houston was highlighted that day as well. Not only did the Runaway Scrape prove to be a very sound tactical retreat, which extended the Santa Anna army's supply lines but instead of hanging Santa Anna as many called for, he spared his life. Why? Well, the answer is easy, Mexican General Jose Urrea's army of over 1000 was advancing (though slowly, thanks to heavy rains) up the coast. It is doubtful the Texicans could defeat both armies. By keeping Santa Anna alive, he was forced to sign the Treaty of Velasco, which included the order for all Mexican forces to leave Texas.
PS, how fitting is it that a 6th and 7th generation Texan is married to a girl born on this day.
Happy Birthday Michelle
