The Battle of San Jacinto occurred on April 21, 1836, concluding the Texas Revolution and setting the United States on a path to expansion in the Southwest. Focused on chasing the fledgling Texas government, General Santa Anna had led his troops to an area by the San Jacinto River. The Texan army, under the command of Sam Houston, attacked, shouting "Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!" The 18-minute battle ended with a victory for the Texans and the capture of Santa Anna.
The victory has been celebrated by Texans ever since. A ball marked the first anniversary and the 14th Legislature passed Joint Resolution 7 on March 2, 1874, proclaiming April 21 a legal Texas holiday, along with March 2, Texas Independence Day.
The San Jacinto Battle Flag, pictured at right courtesy of the State Preservation Board, has hung in the Texas House chamber since 1933. The flag is believed to have been the only Texas battle flag at San Jacinto, and it is thought to have been painted by artist James Henry Beard in late 1835 as a gift for the Newport Rifles, a 52-man company of Kentucky volunteers led by Captain Sidney Sherman. In the center is a female figure representing the Goddess of Liberty and the words, "Liberty or Death."
Photo courtesy of the State Preservation Board
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