Treaties of Velasco
Velasco (Surfside Beach), Texas, USA
What happened
After his defeat in the Texas Revolution, Santa Anna was a prisoner of the Texans. At Fort Velasco he signed a public agreement to end the fighting and withdraw Mexican troops from Texas. In a secret agreement he promised to work toward Mexico recognising Texan independence.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Texas hoped the agreements would lead to recognition of its independence. Mexico never ratified them and disowned them, because Santa Anna had signed as a captive.
What came next
Mexican troops withdrew, and Texas stayed independent in practice. Mexico only accepted the loss of Texas and the Rio Grande border in the 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Did you know?
The documents were only called 'treaties' about ten years later, when President James K. Polk used the word.
Timeline
- 14 May 1836The agreements are signed at Velasco.
- 23 February 1837Santa Anna returns to Veracruz.
- 1848 CETreaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.