Battle of San Jacinto Poster

Battle of San Jacinto, by Henry Arthur McArdle The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, near present-day Houston, Texas, was a pivotal engagement in the Texas Revolution between Texan rebels and Mexican forces. The conflict had escalated due to tensions over Mexican President Santa Anna's centralist policies and the desire for Texan independence. The Texan army, led by General Sam Houston, confronted the Mexican forces commanded by Santa Anna. The battle unfolded on a marshy plain along the San Jacinto River, where Houston's forces seized the initiative and launched a surprise attack on the afternoon of April 21. The Texan forces, shouting the rallying cry "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" in reference to the earlier defeats suffered by Texan rebels, overwhelmed the Mexican camp. The element of surprise, combined with the determination of the Texan forces, led to a quick and decisive victory. The battle lasted only 18 minutes, but its impact was profound. Santa Anna was captured the following day, effectively ending Mexican resistance and securing Texas' independence. The Battle of San Jacinto is often considered one of the shortest decisive battles in history and is a defining moment in the Texas Revolution. The victory led to the creation of the Republic of Texas, which existed until its annexation by the United States in 1845. The aftermath of the Battle of San Jacinto had far-reaching consequences. The Treaty of Velasco, signed shortly after the battle, recognized Texas as an independent nation. However, the Mexican government did not formally acknowledge Texas's independence until the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, which ended the Mexican-American War. The Battle of San Jacinto remains a crucial chapter in Texas history, symbolizing the Texan spirit of independence and resilience. The battlefield is preserved as the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, commemorating the site's historical significance.