Battle of San Jacinto
Present-day La Porte and Deer Park, Texas
What happened
General Sam Houston led the Texian army against the Mexican army of President and General Antonio López de Santa Anna. During the Texas Revolution, Santa Anna's army had won at the Alamo and Goliad, and Sam Houston's small army retreated east. Near the San Jacinto River, in today's La Porte and Deer Park, Texas, the Texians attacked in the afternoon. The fight lasted just 18 minutes.
Why it matters
Result: Texian victory. Leaders: Antonio López de Santa Anna / Manuel Fernández Castrillón against Sam Houston / Thomas J. Rusk. Why it matters: It was the final, decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. It led to Texas becoming an independent republic.
What came next
Santa Anna was captured the next day disguised in a private soldier's jacket, and he agreed to the Treaties of Velasco, withdrawing Mexican troops. Sam Houston became the first president of the Republic of Texas.
Did you know?
Sam Houston was shot in the ankle during the battle, and the city of Houston is named after him.
Timeline
- March 6, 1836The Alamo falls to Santa Anna's army.
- April 21, 1836Houston's Texians win at San Jacinto.
- April 22, 1836Santa Anna is captured.
- 1939The San Jacinto Monument is dedicated.