HistoryData
war1836

1836 naval engagement of the Texas Revolution

April 3, 1836

The battle disrupted Mexican resupply operations at their primary logistics base during the Texas Revolution.

Quick Facts

Year
1836
Category
war

Key Facts

Date
April 3, 1836
Mexican vessel
Brig Montezuma
Texan vessel
Schooner Invincible
Mexican outcome
Ship ran aground and was abandoned
Port strategic role
Primary Mexican army resupply base

Location

Map of Matamoros, MexicoMap of Matamoros, MexicoMatamoros, Mexico

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

The Port of Matamoros, also known as Los Brazos de Santiago, served as the primary resupply base for General Santa Anna's Mexican army operations during the Texas Revolution, making it a strategic naval target for Texan forces seeking to cut off enemy logistics.

Event

On April 3, 1836, the Texas Navy schooner Invincible engaged the Mexican Navy brig Montezuma off Matamoros. The Mexican vessel was outmaneuvered and repeatedly struck by fire, ultimately running aground and being abandoned by its crew.

Consequence

The engagement denied Mexican forces use of their main resupply port, undermining logistical support for Santa Anna's campaign. Santa Anna was defeated less than three weeks later at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, effectively ending Mexican military operations in Texas.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

Texas Navy

Side B

1 belligerent

Mexican Navy
Outcome
Texan victory; Mexican brig Montezuma ran aground and was abandoned

Timeline Context

Timeline around 18361836183318341835183718381839Violent incident in OhioWar in South America between 1836 and 1839Second Creek War. Expulsion of Creeks from AlabamaCourtroom disruption in Boston, Massachusetts1836 extended military engagement of the Second Seminole War1836 United States presidential election — 13th quadrennial U.S. presidential electionMarch 28, 1836, treaty between the United States and representatives of the Ottawa and Chippewa peoples1836 decisive battle of the Texas Revolutionbattle-of-matamoros-1836