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

Silvestre De Leon

Historical marker location:

Evergreen Cemetery, N.Vine & W. Red River Sts., Victoria, Texas

( Evergreen Cemetery, N. Vine St. and W. Red River, Victoria)

Marker installed: 1972

Marker size: grave marker

(1802-1842) Son of the Empresario Martin de Leon, founder of the De Leon Colony and City of Victoria. Silverstre de Leon was active in the Catholic church, served alcade of Victoria, and had other commissions. An Indian fighter and soldier, he was taken prisoner by Mexican Army during Texas War for Independence. He owned and traded in vast herds of horses, mules, and cattle. He married Rosalia de la Garza; had two sons, Martin and Francisco. (1972)

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.

Texas Revolution Republic of Texas colonization

The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.

About Victoria County

Victoria County is located in southeastern Texas and was originally occupied by Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and the Tonkawa. However, the area was colonized by the Spanish in the 18th century and named in honor of the Queen of Spain, Victoria.

In the early 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile land for agriculture and the potential for ample grazing. The Mexican government encouraged colonization, and by 1834, there were around 100 families living in the region. However, tensions between the settlers and the Mexican government eventually led to the Texas Revolution in 1835.

During the Texas Revolution, Victoria became a strategic point for both the Texian and Mexican armies. The Battle of Guadalupe River occurred here in 1835, where the Texian rebels under the command of George Collingsworth captured the Mexican garrison without bloodshed. The town of Victoria formally became the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1839 before it was moved to Houston and later Austin.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Victoria County experienced significant growth and development. The railroad arrived in the late 1800s, leading to increased trade and the expansion of the local economy. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further contributed to the county's prosperity. Today, Victoria County is a thriving hub for agriculture, oil and gas production, and serves as a regional center for healthcare, education, and businesses.

Victoria County Timeline

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Victoria County, Texas.

1824 - Victoria County is established as a Municipality of Mexico
1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
1837 - Victoria County is created as an original county of the Republic of Texas
1852 - The town of Victoria becomes the county seat
1860 - Population of Victoria County reaches 2,305
1874 - The Texas Mexican Railway expands into Victoria County, stimulating economic growth
1899 - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to a boom in the petroleum industry
1924 - The DuPont Company establishes a plant in Victoria County, contributing to industrial development
1930 - Population of Victoria County exceeds 30,000
1952 - The O'Connor-Proctor Building, the first air-conditioned building in town, is constructed
1960 - Victoria County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places
2008 - Hurricane Ike causes extensive damage to Victoria County
2019 - Victoria County celebrates its 182nd anniversary