Battle of San Jacinto: April 21, 1836

While the end of the Battle of San Jacinto and General Antonio López de Santa Anna’s capture officially took place the following day, the pivotal events of the battle primarily unfolded on April 21, 1836.

Context

The Battle of San Jacinto was a decisive encounter in the Texas Revolution, a conflict triggered by rising tensions between Texan colonists and the Mexican government. Santa Anna, the Mexican president and general, sought to quash the Texian rebellion and enforce Mexican laws. The Alamo and Goliad events had left Texan morale shaken, but resolve unbroken.

Lead-up to the Battle

Under the command of General Sam Houston, the Texan army strategically retreated eastward following prior defeats. This movement allowed Houston to gather recruits and supplies while luring Santa Anna’s forces into more advantageous terrain for the Texans. By late April, the Texan forces were ready to confront their Mexican counterparts near the San Jacinto River.

The Clash

On the afternoon of April 21, Houston’s roughly 900 men launched a surprise attack against Santa Anna’s camp, where the Mexican army was resting. The Texans employed a tactical assault using the terrain to their advantage, bolstered by a daring approach across the open prairie. The battle lasted just 18 minutes, as Texan forces overran the Mexican camp, shouting “Remember the Alamo!” and “Remember Goliad!” as rallying cries.

The Mexican army, numbering about 1,200, was caught off guard and quickly fell into disarray. Many Mexican soldiers were killed, captured, or scattered, and Santa Anna’s forces were decisively defeated.

Aftermath and Significance

The next day, April 22, Santa Anna was captured, attempting to escape disguised as a common soldier. His capture effectively ended Mexico’s campaign to retain control over Texas. Under pressure, Santa Anna signed the Treaties of Velasco, granting Texas its independence.

The victory at San Jacinto secured the establishment of the Republic of Texas, which later became a state of the United States in 1845. The battle remains a seminal moment in Texan history, symbolizing the triumph of a determined, albeit outnumbered, insurgent force over a stronger military power.