San Jacinto Day is a Texas state holiday to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, a pivotal event during the Texas Revolution. This decisive victory over Mexican forces led to Texas gaining independence from Mexico and the establishment of the Republic of Texas.

Table of Contents

1. When is San Jacinto Day?
2. The History of San Jacinto Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. The Goliad Massacre (March 27, 1836)

When is San Jacinto Day?

San Jacinto Day is observed annually on April 21. This Texas state holiday commemorates the Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836.

The following is the list of San Jacinto Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of San Jacinto Day?

San Jacinto battle is a significant battle that not only shaped the course of Texas history but also had lasting impacts on the United States and Mexico.

In the early 1820s, Mexico encouraged settlers from the United States to colonize Texas (then part of Mexico) under the condition that they adopt Mexican laws and culture. Over time, cultural and political tensions arose between the settlers and the Mexican government, especially regarding immigration, property rights, and slavery.

The revolution began in 1835 as Texian settlers and Texans of Mexican descent rebelled against the centralized policies of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.

After the fall in the Battle of the Alamo in March 1836 and the massacre at Goliad, Texian forces retreated eastward to regroup, and Mexican forces pursued Houston's army, intending to crush the rebellion.

On April 21, 1836, near present-day Houston, Texas, along the banks of Buffalo Bayou, Texian forces, numbering about 900, launched a surprise attack on Mexican forces' camp of approximately 1,200 soldiers. The battle lasted only 18 minutes, but the Texians inflicted heavy casualties, killing over 600 Mexican soldiers and capturing 730 while losing only 9 men.

The following day, Mexican President Santa Anna was captured while attempting to flee. Under duress, Santa Anna signed treaties recognizing Texas's independence, although Mexico never formally ratified the agreement.

Texans began informally commemorating the battle soon after the victory, recognizing its significance in securing independence. In 1874, the state of Texas officially declared April 21 as San Jacinto Day, a public holiday to honor the battle and those who fought for Texas's independence.

What Do People Do on This Day?

San Jacinto Day is marked by various events and activities reflecting pride in Texan history, culture, and heritage.

Many people visit the San Jacinto Monument, a towering obelisk dedicated to the battle. The accompanying museum offers exhibits, artifacts, and presentations about the Texas Revolution.

Local parades often feature floats, marching bands, and participants dressed as historical figures like Sam Houston and Santa Anna.

Schools, libraries, and museums host lectures and storytelling events about the Texas Revolution and the significance of San Jacinto. Families and communities gather to share meals, often featuring traditional Texan dishes like barbecue, chili, and Tex-Mex cuisine. Parks and recreational areas host activities such as hikes, kayaking, and nature walks, encouraging people to enjoy Texas's natural beauty.

The Goliad Massacre (March 27, 1836)

The Goliad Massacre was one of the darkest moments of the Texas Revolution, where approximately 400 Texian prisoners of war were executed by Mexican forces under the orders of General Santa Anna. It occurred on March 27, 1836, in Goliad, Texas, and became a rallying cry for Texian independence.

In 1835, Texians began their fight for independence from Mexico, clashing with Mexican forces in a series of battles. By early 1836, Texian troops led by Colonel James Fannin occupied a strategic fort in Goliad, Texas.

James Fannin received orders to join other Texian forces but delayed his withdrawal due to logistical challenges and miscommunication. On March 19, 1836, Fannin's forces were surrounded by Mexican troops. After a fierce battle, Fannin surrendered on March 20, believing his men would be treated as prisoners of war and spared execution.

Mexican President and General Santa Anna, aiming to crush the Texian rebellion, ordered the execution of all captured Texian soldiers, declaring them pirates and enemies of the state. On the morning of March 27, James Fannin and his men were marched out of the fort in groups under the pretense of relocation. They were led to nearby fields and lined up, where Mexican soldiers opened fire on them.

A few Texians managed to escape, either by fleeing during the confusion or being spared through intervention by Mexican officers sympathetic to their plight. Approximately 400 Texians were killed in the massacre, and this was one of the largest single losses of life for Texian forces during the revolution.

Less than a month after the massacre, Texian forces led by Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna's army at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, securing Texas's independence.