8 Sites That Will Bring the Texas Revolution to Life
Field Trip Texas began as an attempt to make Texas History more exciting for homeschoolers. In Texas, kids usually get a little state history in 4th grade and then a full year in 7th. After trying 3 different (seriously boring) Texas history curriculums for 7th grade, it was time to toss the books and hit the road. Turns out…this is not a boring story.
You’ve probably heard of Stephen F. Austin referred to as the father of Texas. San Felipe de Austin is where he brought the first U.S. settlers (The Old 300) into what was then, Mexico. You can think of San Felipe de Austin as a large piece of the origin story to Texas as we know it today.
The Stone Fort Museum is a replica of what was once the oldest structure in Nacogdoches, Texas and it has a crazy history. There are many stories to be told here. It in fact out numbers the 6 flags of Texas. Because it has changed hands so many times, 9 Flags have flown here! The story that relates most significantly to the Texas Revolution is the Freedonian Rebellion led by Empresario Haden Edwards in a failed attempt to declare independence from Mexico.
After a flood of American settlers arrives in Texas, Mexico feels threatened and closes its borders. President Santa Anna deploys troops to Gonzales to retrieve their cannon. The defiant settlers roll out the cannon with a flag that reads “Come and take it!” Shots are fired and the Texas revolution officially begins.
This site is known as the birthplace of Texas because it was here that a group of delegates from across the state met to declare independence, write a constitution, and form the Republic of Texas. Visit a replica of Independence Hall, the Star of the Republic Museum, and the home and farm of the last president of the Republic of Texas.
“Remember the Alamo!” The most well-known site of the revolution is in San Antonio. The Battle of the Alamo was a 13-day siege. Inside the walls of the Alamo, 180 volunteers from across the United States fought and lost to President General Santa Anna’s army of 4,000. Visit the Alamo to learn the stories of the many brave Texans who gave their lives here.
The Fannin Battleground is the site of the Battle of Coleto Creek. This was an important event in the Texas Revolution because the outcome of this battle directly led to the Goliad Massacre. The site now serves as a memorial for Colonel Fannin and the soldiers who fought and surrendered here.
The infamous Goliad massacre occurred here. After Texas troops suffered defeat at the nearby Battle of Coleto, Col. James W. Fannin and his troops were held here and then ordered executed by Santa Anna. “Remember Goliad!” joins the battle cries and Texans are outraged.
Walk the grounds of the final battle that won Independence for Texas. General Sam Houston and his outnumbered troops unexpectedly attacked Santa Anna’s army. Eighteen minutes later the Mexican army has suffered a staggering defeat and Santa Anna is captured. The museum here tells a moving story of the Texas Revolution.
FUN FACT: The San Jacinto Monument is taller than the Washington Monument in DC.
Fun Extras
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