One hundred eighty five years ago today, the Texas Army was camped together in the woods, protected by the rising ground where Buffalo Bayou meets the San Jacinto River. At 3:30 that afternoon, April 21, 1836, General Sam Houston addressed his troops:

“Rally to the standard and be no longer the scoff of mercenary tongues! Be men! Be free men, that your children may bless their father’s name!”

The Texans attacked Santa Anna’s Mexican forces and routed the enemy in an historic battle that lasted only 18-minutes, securing a brief but glorious independence for the Republic of Texas.

Happy San Jacinto Day!

Celebrate accordingly.

Allan