What was the Texas Revolution?

The Texas Revolution was a conflict fought between the Republic of Texas and Mexico from 1835 to 1836. It resulted in the independence of Texas from Mexico and the establishment of the Republic of Texas.

What were the causes of the Texas Revolution?

The causes of the Texas Revolution were multifaceted. Some key factors include discontent among American settlers in Texas due to the centralist policies of the Mexican government, the abolition of slavery in Mexico (which clashed with the pro-slavery sentiments of many Texas settlers), and the general desire for greater political autonomy.

Who were the major figures of the Texas Revolution?

Prominent figures in the Texas Revolution include Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, James Bowie, William B. Travis, Davy Crockett, and Antonio López de Santa Anna.

What were the major battles of the Texas Revolution?

The Texas Revolution included several significant battles, including the Battle of the Alamo (1836), the Battle of San Jacinto (1836), the Battle of Goliad (1836), and the Siege of Béxar (1835).

What was the significance of the Battle of the Alamo?

The Battle of the Alamo, which took place in February 1836, was a pivotal event in the Texas Revolution. Although the Texian defenders, including famous figures like Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, were ultimately defeated by the Mexican army led by Santa Anna, the battle inspired and rallied Texian forces and became a symbol of resistance.

How did the Texas Revolution end?

The Texas Revolution ended with the decisive Texian victory at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. The Texian army, led by Sam Houston, defeated Santa Anna's forces, captured Santa Anna himself, and forced him to sign the Treaties of Velasco, recognizing the independence of Texas.

What was the outcome of the Texas Revolution?

The outcome of the Texas Revolution was the establishment of the independent Republic of Texas. It remained an independent nation for nearly a decade until it joined the United States as the 28th state in 1845.

How did the Texas Revolution impact the United States?

The Texas Revolution had a significant impact on the United States. It led to the annexation of Texas, which sparked tensions between the United States and Mexico and eventually resulted in the Mexican-American War (1846-1848).

Were there any notable documents associated with the Texas Revolution?

Yes, the Texas Declaration of Independence, signed on March 2, 1836, was a crucial document in the Texas Revolution. It outlined the reasons for separating from Mexico and establishing an independent Texas.

What is the importance of the Texas Revolution in Texan and American history?

The Texas Revolution holds great importance in Texan and American history. It demonstrated the spirit of independence and self-determination, leading to the formation of the Republic of Texas and eventually the expansion of the United States westward. It also influenced the debate over slavery and contributed to the tensions between the North and South leading up to the American Civil War.

Historical Marker

Alexander McKinza

Historical marker location:

Rock Creek Rd., Waco, Texas

( From Waco 1 mile N. on N. 19th st. turn east on Rock Creek Rd ( cemetery is across from methodist church) grave is in NE corner, Bosqueville.)

Marker installed: 1976

Marker size: grave marker

In 1834 Alexander McKinza moved to Nacogdoches, Texas, from his native Alabama. During the Texas War for Independence, he joined the Sabine volunteers under Capt. Benjamin F. Bryant and fought at the battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. McKinza married Clarissa Brewer on March 14, 1839. He had a store near Douglass until 1857 and served as Justice of the Peace for Nacogdoches County from 1853 to 1857. He settled in McLennan County about 1860. (1976)

A brief timeline of the Texas Revolution

1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Texas becomes a part of the Mexican territory.
1824: The Mexican government establishes a constitution, known as the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
1826: The Fredonian Rebellion occurs when Haden Edwards, an empresario (land agent), declares the independence of the Republic of Fredonia in East Texas. The rebellion is quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
1830: The Mexican government passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes several restrictions on American immigration to Texas and increases Mexican control over the region. This leads to growing tensions between Mexican authorities and the Anglo-American settlers.
1832: The Battle of Velasco takes place between Texian settlers and Mexican forces near the town of Velasco. The Texians win the battle, which marks one of the early armed conflicts in the region.
1835: The Texas Revolution officially begins with the Battle of Gonzales. Texian rebels refuse to surrender a cannon, and Mexican troops are sent to retrieve it. However, the Texians successfully defend the cannon, which has a flag with the words "Come and Take It" painted on it.
October 1835: Texian forces capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad, marking a significant victory for the revolutionaries.
November 1835: The Consultation, a provisional government, is established by the Texian rebels. They declare loyalty to Mexico while seeking a restoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and the removal of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.
December 1835: Texian rebels, under the command of Ben Milam, capture San Antonio de Béxar after a 13-day siege. Mexican forces under General Martín Perfecto de Cos surrender, giving the Texians control of the city.
March 1836: The Texian garrison at the Alamo, in San Antonio, is besieged by a large Mexican force under General Santa Anna. The battle lasts for 13 days, and despite fierce resistance, the defenders are overwhelmed, and all are killed.
March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted at the Convention of 1836, held at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Texas declares itself as an independent republic.
March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre takes place when General Santa Anna orders the execution of around 350 Texian prisoners of war at Goliad.
April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto occurs near the present-day city of Houston. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian army defeats the Mexican forces, capturing Santa Anna himself. The battle lasts only 18 minutes and is a decisive victory for the Texians.
May 14, 1836: The Treaties of Velasco are signed, officially ending the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna, as a prisoner, signs the treaties recognizing Texas as an independent republic and agreeing to withdraw Mexican troops from the region.
October 22, 1836: Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.

This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the Texas Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous smaller engagements and political developments throughout the conflict.

About Texas State Historical Markers

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

county official Texas Revolution Republic of Texas military topics

The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.

About McLennan County

McLennan County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the area. The first European explorers and settlers arrived in the late 1600s, primarily Spanish explorers searching for new lands and resources in Texas. In the early 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, and the area soon became part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.

The county was officially established in 1850, named after Neil McLennan, a Scottish settler who played a significant role in the colonization of the region. The county's initial economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton, corn, and livestock becoming major industries. In 1870, the completion of the Waco Suspension Bridge, one of the first bridges to span the Brazos River, bolstered the county's growth and connected it to the expanding railroad network.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, McLennan County experienced periods of rapid growth and development. The city of Waco, the county seat, became a prosperous center for commerce, education, and culture. With the establishment of Baylor University in 1845 and the creation of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in 1968, Waco gained a reputation as an educational and historical hub. The county also played a significant role in the development of the Texas oil industry, as numerous oil fields were discovered and exploited in the early 20th century.

Despite its prosperous history, McLennan County faced challenges as well. It witnessed racial tensions and violence, particularly during the Civil Rights era. One of the county's most infamous events occurred in 1993 when an armed standoff between federal agents and the Branch Davidians religious sect resulted in a tragic fire at their compound near Waco, leaving many dead. However, the county has shown resilience, with ongoing efforts to address social issues and promote economic development, making it a vibrant and evolving community.

McLennan County Timeline

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of McLennan County, Texas.

1837 - McLennan County is established as a county of the Republic of Texas
1849 - Waco, the county seat, is founded
1860s - McLennan County experiences rapid growth with the expansion of the cattle industry and arrival of the railroad
1874 - Baylor University is relocated to Waco
1886 - The Texas Cotton Palace Exposition is held in Waco to showcase the county's cotton industry
1916 - A tornado devastates downtown Waco, causing significant damage and loss of life
1930s - McLennan County suffers during the Great Depression, but also sees some economic improvements through New Deal programs
1951 - The Waco VA Hospital is established, providing medical care for veterans
1993 - The Branch Davidian standoff occurs in Waco, resulting in a tragic fire and loss of life
2015 - McLennan County celebrates its 150th anniversary