Infoware NG

Texas is the second largest state in the United States in both size and population. It gained its independence from Mexico in 1836 and achieved formal statehood in 1848, becoming the 28th state of the young nation. Much of the battles in Texas history derive from its efforts to achieve independence, first from the Spaniards, and then from Mexico, and finally as an economic battleground between the North and the South in the American Civil War.

The first important battles in Texas came from her attempts to achieve independence from Spain. From 1716 till 1821, Texas was a territory under the crown of Spain. The Mexican quest for independence began with Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in 1810 after Louisiana was sold to the United States by France in 1803, when the boundary between Texas and Louisiana was contested by both Spain and the United States. Anglo Americans began to push against the established boundaries, and the poor Tejano population grew restless under Spanish rule. Periodic fights broke out between the Spanish loyalists and the Mexicans and Anglo supporters. In 1813, the Mexicans led an insurrection against Spanish troops in San Antonio at the Battle of Medina. This rebellion was unsuccessful and led to the execution of 300 Mexican men. Continued strife and fighting finally led to Mexico’s independence in 1821 during the Mexican War of Independence.

The next set of battles in Texas arose from the desire of Anglo settlers seeking expansion and colonization, culminating in the quest for independence from Mexico and statehood. Stephen F. Austin sought and received permission from the Mexican government to establish the first Anglo settlement in Southeastern Texas. Three hundred families settled in the Brazos River region beginning in 1823. The new colonists were called Texans, and dissatisfaction with the policies imposed by the Mexican created a contentious relationship between the Texans and the Mexican government. During the Battle of Velasco on June 26, 1832, Mexican troops under the leadership of Domingo de Ugartechea tried to stop Texans from delivering a cannon that Mexicans feared would be used against them. The first blood was spilled by the two sides here, and the Texans prevailed.

The first battle of the Texas Revolution occurred in the town of Gonzales on October 2, 1835. This battle was the first example of resistance to the Mexican dictatorship. The Mexican government deployed a cavalry detachment to retrieve a cannon in Gonzales. The Texans fought and prevailed, prompting the creation of a flag with the slogan "Come and Take It." The next clash between the two sides in the quest for freedom occurred at the Battle of Concepcion on October 28, 1835 when James Bowie, James Fannen, and 90 Texans stormed the fortified Mission Nuestra Senora de la Concepcion de Acuna in San Antonio and defeated 450 Mexican troops. This battle sent a message to President Santa Anna that serious conflict was now at hand in Texas.

The Battle of Concepcion was followed by the famous Battle for Texas.Battle of the Alamo in February and March of 1836. Here, Mexican troops lay siege to the Alamo mission. A small group of Texans attempted to hold their positions inside the mission against the Mexican army, but the 13 day siege resulted in the death of all 180 Texans. Among the dead were the leader of the Battle of Concepcion, James Bowie, Davy Crocket, William Travis, and women and Mexicans loyal to the Texan cause.

More to come in the brilliant history of Texas.