The battle ended the Texas Revolution in 18 minutes, leading to Santa Anna's capture and the foundation of the independent Republic of Texas.
Key Facts
- Battle duration
- 18 minutes
- Date of battle
- April 21, 1836
- Santa Anna captured
- April 22, 1836 (day after battle)
- Peace treaty signed by
- General Santa Anna, as prisoner of war
- Houston's report date
- April 25, 1836 from San Jacinto HQ
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Texas Revolution pitted Texan settlers and Tejano fighters against the Mexican government under President General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Earlier Mexican victories at the Alamo and Goliad galvanized Texan resistance, and the Texan Army under General Sam Houston maneuvered to bring Santa Anna's forces to battle at San Jacinto.
On April 21, 1836, the Texan Army launched a surprise attack on the Mexican camp near the San Jacinto River. The engagement lasted just 18 minutes. Both Santa Anna and General Martín Perfecto de Cos escaped during the fighting, but Santa Anna was captured the following day and Cos on April 24, ending organized Mexican resistance.
As a prisoner of war, Santa Anna signed peace treaties requiring the Mexican army to withdraw from the region and pledging to lobby for Texan recognition in Mexico City. This paved the way for the establishment of the Republic of Texas as an independent nation. Sam Houston became a celebrated figure, and battle cries 'Remember the Alamo' and 'Remember Goliad' became enduring symbols in Texan memory.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Sam Houston.
Side B
1 belligerent
General Antonio López de Santa Anna, General Martín Perfecto de Cos.