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

Major Leon Dyer

Historical marker location:

4002 Avenue K, Galveston, Texas

( Gravesite of Major Leon Dyer located in the Hebrew Benevolent Society Cemetery, between 40th and 43rd St. at Avenue K)

Marker installed: 2011

Marker size: 27" x 42"

LEON DYER WAS BORN FEIST EMANUEL HEIM (HAIM) ON OCT. 2, 1807 IN MAYENE, GERMANY, TO JOHN MAXIMILIAN AND ISABELLA (BABETTE) NACHMANN DYER. THE FAMILY IMMIGRATED TO THE U.S. AROUND 1812 AND SETTLED IN BALTIMORE WHERE THEY BEGAN A MEAT PACKING BUSINESS. ON OCT. 4, 1833, DYER BECAME A CITIZEN OF THE U.S. HE WAS ELECTED TRUSTEE OF THE BALTIMORE HEBREW CONGREGATION TWO YEARS LATER. SHORTLY AFTER BEING INVOLVED IN THE BALTIMORE BANK RIOTS IN AUGUST 1835, DYER MOVED TO NEW ORLEANS TO OPEN A BRANCH OF THE FAMILY PACKING HOUSE.

DYER PARTICIPATED IN THE SECOND SEMINOLE WAR IN FLORIDA, AND ON FEB. 28, 1836, HE WAS APPOINTED REGIMENTAL QUARTERMASTER OF THE LOUISIANA VOLUNTEER MILITIA. IN APRIL 1836, DYER MET GENERAL THOMAS JEFFERSON GREEN AND JOINED THE TEXAS WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. HE ARRIVED IN GALVESTON ON APRIL 20, 1836 AND ACCORDING TO NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS, PROVIDED GENERAL HOUSTON WITH SUPPLIES. ON MAY 18, 1836, DYER WAS APPOINTED MAJOR BY DAVID G. BURNET, THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS, AND SAW ACTIVE SERVICE WITH CLEARING WESTERN TEXAS OF MEXICAN TROOPS. IT IS ALSO SAID THAT DYER WAS ASSIGNED THE TASK OF ESCORTING GENERAL SANTA ANNA TO WASHINGTON, D.C. IN JAN. 1837.

FROM 1840-1845, DYER RETURNED TO BALTIMORE, AND IN 1847, HE RECEIVED A HAYS COUNTY LAND GRANT FOR HIS SERVICE TO THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS. THEREAFTER, HE LIVED THROUGHOUT THE U.S., LONDON, AND GERMANY. HE MARRIED HIS COUSIN, SARAH NACHMAN, ON JULY 6, 1852 AND THEY HAD FOUR CHILDREN. REMEMBERED AS A BUSINESSMAN, POLITICAL ACTIVIST, SOLDIER, AND DIPLOMAT, DYER DIED IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY ON SEPT. 14, 1883. HE IS BURIED AT HEBREW BENEVOLENT SOCIETY CEMETERY IN GALVESTON

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.

military topics Texas Revolution

In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.

About Galveston County

Galveston County, located on the Gulf Coast of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The area was inhabited by Native American tribes for thousands of years before European explorers arrived in the 16th century. Spanish explorers were among the first to visit the region, followed by French and English explorers in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 1816, Pirate Jean Lafitte established a short-lived settlement on Galveston Island, which became a haven for smugglers and criminals. However, the pirate era came to an end when the Mexican government took control of Texas and drove out Lafitte and his fellow pirates.

The 19th century saw Galveston County become a major seaport and commercial center. In 1839, the city of Galveston was founded and quickly grew in size and prosperity. The city became an important hub for the Texas cotton industry and played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the Civil War.

However, Galveston faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including devastating hurricanes. The most notable was the Great Storm of 1900, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history, claiming thousands of lives and causing extensive damage. Despite the destruction, Galveston rebuilt and implemented engineering projects, including the construction of a seawall, to protect the city from future hurricanes.

Today, Galveston County is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural scene. The county has successfully preserved its rich heritage while embracing modern development, making it a unique and diverse place to visit and live.

Galveston County Timeline

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

1528 - Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca becomes the first known European to set foot on Galveston Island
1816 - Pirate Jean Lafitte establishes a base on Galveston Island
1825 - Galveston becomes a port of entry for the newly formed Republic of Mexico
1836 - Galveston becomes an important port during the Texas Revolution
1839 - The City of Galveston is officially incorporated
1854 - Galveston becomes the largest city in Texas
1900 - Galveston is struck by a devastating hurricane, resulting in over 6,000 deaths
1901 - Oil is discovered in nearby Spindletop, leading to a period of economic growth
1957 - The world's first offshore drilling rig is built in Galveston
2008 - Hurricane Ike causes significant damage to Galveston