On This Day in 1836...

[kflach]

On this day in 1836 an 18 minute battle was fought next to the San Jacinto River in Texas. General Sam Houston led his army to an overwhelming defeat of the forces of General Antonio López de Santa Anna. As a direct result of this battle, Texas became a sovereign Republic (that later annexed the United States of America).

These events happened before our 'time period' but there can be no doubt that they had a huge impact on the era of US history that we promote.


You can learn more about it here:
http://www.sanjacinto-museum.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_San_Jacinto

[Texas Lawdog]

You can see the San Jacinto Momument and the USS Texas that is open for tours.

[Shotgun Franklin]

God Bless Texas

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[Pancho Peacemaker]

The painting is by Henry McArdle.  This painting, "The Battle of San Jacinto" and it's sister painting "Dawn at the Alamo" both hang in our Senate Chambers in Austin.  McArdle's amazing historical documentation of this painting is also housed there.  The "McArdle Notebooks" are volumes of his research that are considered one of the most historically significant treasures of the Texas State Library.

There is lots to read here.  One entertaining read is the documentation of Santa Anna's "recounting" of the battle.

McArdle's Notebook on San Jacinto:  http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/mcardle/sanjac/sanjac001.html

[Pancho Peacemaker]

This is video of the yearly reenactment of the battle.  (Too bad all the touristas and automobiles are in the background.)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch#!v=gR4XU-iqXY0[/youtube]

[Dr. Bob]

Kevin,

I hate to be picky, but the United States annexed Texas in 1845!   

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Dr Bob;

As a semi-loyal ex-Texan, I think you must mean that the Sovereign Republic of Texas annexed the United States  ... *VBS*

[Dr. Bob]

WWE,

You can always tell a Texan, ya just can't tell him much!!

[Stillwater]

WWE,

You can always tell a Texan, ya just can't tell him much!!

You're right, their heads are too hard... I know that for sure, because I'm married to one from San Antonio...

Bill

[kflach]

Dr. Bob,
I fear you've fallen victim to a very common misconception. It's been spread in numerous legal documents, historical documents, and textbooks. Certainly they get the year right, but as far as who annexed whom, well, let's just say those sources are the the same kind of people that refer to certain wars as "police actions."

Please don't feel bad. We all fall prey to fallacies on occasion. Fortunately, this particular one isn't as bad as being in New Orleans for Mardi Gras and mistaking one of those female impersonators for a real woman (I've heard that's a lot more common than you'd think). And if this comes up in another discussion in another place, don't worry about it. Let them think what they want. In the meantime, you can enjoy the fact that you are now among the Enlightened.

[Dr. Bob]

 

[Major 2]

I'm rather proud of this ....signed and presented by then Texas Governor Clement.

though a Florida Cracker by birth , a Texan by Decree, I'm Southern by the Grace of GOD  

[Texas Lawdog]

Major 2, Governor Clements was the first Republican governor in Texas since Reconstruction. I'm proud to have you as an Honorary Texan.

[WaddWatsonEllis]

Re San Antonio and San Jacinto,

I am so chuffed: after years of the vagaritios of short-term 'new' jobs (Can;t take time off 'cause I am so new), I am finally taking a weeks vacation ... ten years since my last one ...

I mentioned on my profile that my namesake, Wadd Watson Ellis, raised horses and cattle, first on the LLano River neare what is now Mason, and then moved down to the Frio River near what is now Dilley Texas.

My 'cousin', whom I have never met, has taken the outbuilidings on the old ranch near Mason and made it a bed and breakfast right on the LLano River.

The original Wadd Watson Ellis gave tha land for Covey Chapel and the Covey Chapel Cemetary (northwest of Dilley). The chapel is gone, but the cemetary is a protected historical sight, and has most of my maternal great-relatives there. Again, I have never seen it, and hope to get a profile quality pic of me nest to Wadd Watson Ellis' grave ...

It may sound kind of morbid, but that is the plan.

http://historicdistrict.com/Genealogy/Frio/coveys.asp

The Ellis' and Sheppards are my relatives

[Major 2]

Major 2, Governor Clements was the first Republican governor in Texas since Reconstruction. I'm proud to have you as an Honorary Texan.

Thanks...I have to admit I was humbled and honored.

I was working as the Production Designer on Alamo the Price of Freedom, when a Helicopter arrived on location.
It carried Governor Clements, Bernice Strong ( Grand Dame of the DAR ) and George MCallister (writer/Producer).

They had come to present the certificates of Honor to the Director Kieth Merrill, and myself.

[Texas Lawdog]

Roger, You are welcome back anytime, the door is always open to you.