Texas Our Texas

If you are homeschooling right now this will be a great history lesson for your kiddos. On this day April 21st 1836, Texas gained it's independence from Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto.

In a battle the lasted only 18 minutes the Texas Army defeated the Mexican Army. The Texas came upon surprised the Mexican army during nap time. The Mexican Army was resting for the afternoon and that is when General Sam Houston ordered the attack on Santa Anna and his troops. With the help of a woman named Emily Morgan, Santa Anna was little pre-occupied when the Texas Army attacked.

Santa Anna surrendered after 18 minutes. Santa Anna managed to escape but was captured the next day. After being held as a prisoner of war for about three weeks, Santa Anna signed the peace treaty stating that the Mexican Army would leave Texas, paving the way for what would be known as the Republic of Texas.

General Sam Houston would later become the first President of Texas.

Today outside of Houston, you can visit the San Jacinto Monument and state park, that resides on the the very place were the battle took place. While you are there you can also visit the battle ship Texas, The USS Texas is anchored there.