There’s no denying that Texas is a state rich in history. This huge state was embroiled in the Texas Revolution and the Mexican Revolution before becoming an official U.S. state. After this time, Texas played a role in the Civil War as well. Today, we explore four of the most interesting historic battlefields in the state of Texas.
1. Battle of Galveston
The population of Galveston Texas is comprised of roughly 53,000 individuals today.
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During the Civil War, Galveston’s Harbor was an invaluable port for the Confederate troops. They relied on it to receive goods such as weapons and food supplies, and President Abraham Lincoln was keenly aware of this. He realized that snuffing out this port would help the Union gain an advantage, and in late 1862, he ordered a blockade. Initially, they succeeded in this venture, but their joy was short-lived. The Confederate forces reorganized and planned to take back Galveston Harbor at any cost necessary. Their plan included a two-sided attack, one by land and the other by boat.
Ultimately, Union troops at sea were not prepared for an attack of this sort. According to the Rosenberg Library Museum, “During the Battle of Galveston, the Confederates managed to capture six Union ships, sink one, and run another aground. A total of 300 – 400 Union prisoners were taken. In turn, few Confederate soldiers were wounded, and only one Confederate ship was lost. Galveston remained under Confederate control until the Civil War ended in 1865.”
2. The Alamo
The Alamo is a popular tourist destination in the present day.
©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Among all of Texas’ famous battlefields, the Alamo is likely the most popular. Located in San Antonio, the story of this site dates back to the Mexican Revolution. Before Texas was a part of the United States, it was a Mexican territory. After breaking free from Spanish rule, the Mexican government decided to implement a liberal immigration policy in order to attract more people to the region. All was well for a few years; however, things would change when Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna took power.
Santa Anna’s beliefs differed greatly from those held by the people living in Texas at this time. He sought to crack down on this, and the individuals living in Texas sought to rid their territory of his influence. These tensions would come to a head at the Alamo, a former Catholic missionary converted into a fortress. Santa Anna brought over roughly 1,500 men, vastly exceeding the Texas settlers’ numbers. Over the course of roughly a week and a half, the settlers tried their best to fight back, but food and supplies were dwindling. Ultimately, Santa Anna and his men slaughtered nearly everyone in the Alamo, sending a strong message to others who sought to oppose him. However, shortly after the tides would turn for the settlers at the Battle of San Jacinto.
3. Battle of San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto occurred on April 21st, 1836.
Santa Anna may have enjoyed a victory at the Alamo, but he was soon after defeated at the Battle of San Jacinto. After the dust settled from the bloodbath at the Alamo, Mexican troops began dispersing throughout the state. Instead of running in fear, Sam Houston and his men headed to San Jacinto to face Santa Anna and his troops head-on. When the two opposing forces met, Santa Anna was overcome with confidence. So much so that he failed to put any men on watch. When Texan troops charged, they were entirely unprepared.
The battle at the Alamo wore on for days, however, the Battle of San Jacinto would last just 18 minutes. According to the Texas State Historical Association, “Measured by its results, San Jacinto was one of the decisive battles of the world. The freedom of Texas from Mexico won here led to annexation and to the Mexican War, resulting in the acquisition by the United States of the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, California, Utah, and parts of Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas, and Oklahoma. Almost one-third of the present area of the American nation, nearly a million square miles of territory, changed sovereignty.” This is one of the most influential historic battlefields in all of Texas.
4. Palo Alto Battlefield
Those interested in learning more can visit the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park.
After winning the battle of San Jacinto, the Texans demanded that officials declare the Rio Grande River as the southern border of the state. However, there were disputes following this as Mexican officials insisted the border was actually located at the Nueces River. During this time, America annexed Texas as a new state. Texan settlers remained hopeful that this new development would inspire further conversation regarding the border, but instead, the Mexican government cut off all communication at this point.
Tensions would rise after the annexation. President James Polk sought to get ahead of this and sent troops down to the Rio Grande Border. It would be here that a bloody battle would erupt, with American forces winning. According to American History Central, “The Mexicans lost roughly 400 men, while the American casualties included six dead and 40 wounded. The battle was an impressive tactical victory for the Americans and was a testament to their superior artillery.” The Palo Alto Battlefield is located close to present-day Brownsville, Texas.
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