In-Depth Notes on the Texas Revolution and Sam Houston

The Runaway Scrape
  • The term "The Runaway Scrape" refers to the mass exodus of Anglo settlers from Texas that occurred after the fall of the Alamo and the disaster at Goliad.
Santa Anna's Strategy
  • Santa Anna divided his army into segments, sending a third to the southern coastal areas and half going north and east while advancing east from San Antonio.
  • His objective was to eradicate the Anglo settlers and trap the Army of Texas.
Sam Houston's Background
  • Sam Houston was a prominent figure in Texas history, having ties to multiple nations:
  • U.S.
  • Cherokee nation
  • Mexico
  • Republic of Texas
  • He served as governor of Tennessee and Texas, Congressman for Tennessee, and Senator from Texas. Additionally, he held the title of military general and personal friend of President Andrew Jackson.
Houston's Military Leadership
  • Recognized as a natural choice for the general of the Army of Texas due to his leadership skills and military experience.
  • Understands that his army is outmatched in terms of numbers and training, leading him to retreat strategically, trading space for time to train his men.
Texas Revolution Events (1836)
  • Key battles and sieges include:
  • Siege of the Alamo (Feb 13 - Mar 6)
  • Battle of Coleto Creek (Mar 19-20)
  • Battle of San Jacinto (Apr 21)
Santa Anna's Overconfidence
  • Known as "the Napoleon of the West," Santa Anna viewed himself as a military genius, yet many historians criticize his decision to divide his armies, creating operational vulnerabilities far from his supply base.
  • Santa Anna's Army faced exhaustion, inadequate supplies, and declining morale due to a scorched earth policy adopted by Texians.
Tensions Between Texian Government and Houston
  • Despite demands from the Texian government for an immediate engagement, Houston resisted, prompting Secretary of War Thomas Rusk to confer with him.
  • Rusk ultimately agreed to allow Houston to maintain command of the Army of Texas after hearing his rationale for continued retreat.
Strategic Decision at San Jacinto
  • Erastus “Deaf” Smith, a notable scout, confirmed that Santa Anna had a weakened force nearby, prompting Houston to attack.
  • Houston chose a cul-de-sac for the decisive battle, which provided strategic advantages due to terrain and access control.
The Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836)
  • Texians launched a surprise attack at 3:00 PM, utilizing terrain to remain hidden from Mexican forces until under 300 yards away.
  • The Mexican Camp was overwhelmed, leading to significant losses for them.
  • Final battle outcome:
  • Mexican losses: over 600 killed, 208 wounded, and 730 captured.
  • Texian losses: 9 dead, 34 wounded, including Houston himself.
Capturing Santa Anna
  • Santa Anna escaped during the battle but was captured the following day by Texian patrols.
  • Negotiated a treaty (Treaty of Velasco) for his life, essentially trading the future of Texas in return for his freedom.
Aftermath of the Battle
  • For Mexico, the defeat marked a downward spiral in territory and political standing. For the Texans:
  • Achieved independence and eventual annexation into the U.S.
  • The result included extensive territorial gains for the U.S. beyond Texas.
Return of the Settlers
  • News of the victory encouraged fleeing refugees to return to Texas.
  • Juan Seguin honored the fallen defenders of the Alamo by returning to burial their remains.
Sam Houston's Legacy
  • After undergoing medical care, he was elected the first president of the Republic of Texas (1836-1845).
  • Served two presidential terms and was later elected as one of Texas's first senators to the U.S. Congress.
  • Died in 1863, with a statue erected in his honor, noted as the tallest statue of any American.