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| OFFICIAL LOGO |
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| THE ALAMO 2011 SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS |
The Texans who died at the Alamo did not know they were fighting for independence from Mexico and for a newly created republic.
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| DELEGATES MEETING AT WASHINGTON-ON-THE-BRAZOS |
The delegates, elected on February 1, convened on the morning of March 1 in Washington-on-the-Brazos, a new town about thirty-five miles upstream from San Felipe. It was a dismal place; the cold rain the night before had left the one street ankle deep in mud, and the cotton cloth stretched across the openings for windows in the unfinished building in which they met only partially excluded the chilling wind.
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| THE FALL OF THE ALAMO |
The situation that confronted the delegates when they assembled that cold morning was anything but promising. Mexican troops were crushing Texas forces in south Texas, and Santa Anna's army was wearing down the garrison at the Alamo. Travis was pleading for aid, but there were no troops between them and San Antonio, 150 miles away. The outlook was well nigh hopeless.
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| ORIGINAL TEXAS DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FROM MEXICO |
However, on March 2, 1836, delegates meeting at Washington on the Brazos declared Texas free and independent from the Republic of Mexico. Fighting was going on at the Alamo and four days later, on March 6, the Alamo fell to the army of Santa Anna.
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| GENERAL SAM HOUSTON |
A few weeks later, troops under General Sam Houston defeated the dictator Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, guaranteeing Texas' freedom.
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| TEXAS A MULTI-CULTURAL SOCIETY THEN AND NOW |
In marking the 175th anniversary of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Texans should remember that the state in 1836 was a diverse society that engaged many races and cultures in the battle. The Texas war for independence was a multicultural revolution, but it is rarely presented that way. One misconception was that Texas' independence was won by any single ethnic group.
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| THE LONE STAR FLAG 1836 |
Men and women of all racial and ethnic backgrounds have fought for the Lone Star flag and everything it stands for. Mexican-Americans, African-Americans and Cherokee Indians all played significant roles in the fight for liberty.
Celia Yeary-Romance...and a little bit 'o Texas
Very interesting, Celia, and a good reminder. History tends to get sterilized over the years and often skewed. I remember field trips to Washingtom on the Brazos with my school when I was a child. Even back then, not fully understanding the significance of the place, I had a sense of being taken back in time.
ReplyDeleteCelia, I'm glad your brought out the diversity of the Texans. I think that's one of the great things about Texas.
ReplyDeleteAt the time of the battle, as many as eighty of the Alamo defenders were actually documented residents of Texas, but others had traveled to the fort from various states, volunteering their services for the revolution. Of the estimated 189 men who died in the Alamo, only six were actually born in Texas: Juan Abamillo, Juan A. Badillo, Carlos Espalier, Gregorio Esparza, Antonio Fuentes, and Andrés Nava. Notice that all native born defenders had Spanish surnames.
ReplyDeleteSHAWNA--you're right--over time we're not sure what happened or when. Thank goodness for preservationists who take time to save and record history. Thanks for visiting! Celia
ReplyDeleteCAROLINE--yes, it's a fact of life in Texas. We all have friends of every ethnic group. Makes a nice mix. Celia
ReplyDeleteBob--thanks for that bit of information. Sure, the natural born that were there were Mexican--it was, after all---Mexico. The names of towns around Texas intrigue me, as so many are Spanish or Native American in origin. We have much to be thankful for when remembering all the defenders of our freedom. Celia
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting blog, Celia. I have visited the Alamo, after two tries when driving through Texas. I felt something spiritual or sacred when I walked there. You have a history to be proud of. Keep those wonderful stories of Texas coming, friend. Linda
ReplyDeleteWow, Celia--There is a lot of History in your beloved Texas, and you know it all. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the pictures and reading about your home state's history, Celia. Thanks for sharing the link with me.
ReplyDeleteMaggie
a Georgia peach
Very nice post, Celia. I loved the pictures most of all. That's because I'm reading it at the end of the day and my brain is very tired, so it appreciates pictures :) Texas has such a rich history.
ReplyDeleteLiana
a Maryland crab (couldn't resist)
LINDA--I have an endless supply of Texas stories. Thanks for coming by--Celia
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