Exploring Texas’ Historic Battlefields

Texas is a state rich in history. However, one significant aspect of that history, often overlooked, is the state’s military heritage. This includes the crucial battles fought during the Texas Revolution and the Mexican/American War. In these mid-1800s conflicts, several important battles and numerous skirmishes unfolded across Texas. Today, many of these battlefields can be visited, with some preserved as historic sites. This guide highlights five major battlefields worth exploring.

1. The Alamo

The Alamo has become an iconic tourist attraction, but its historical significance is what truly defines it. This old mission was the site of the renowned Battle of the Alamo during the Texas Revolution. Although Gen. Santa Anna and the Mexican Army ultimately won the battle, it became a rallying cry for the Texan army, which went on to secure victory in the war. Prominent figures such as Davy Crockett and William Barrett Travis are among the esteemed defenders who lost their lives at the Alamo. Today, this historic site is owned by the State of Texas and operated by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, welcoming visitors every day except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

2. San Jacinto

While perhaps less famous outside Texas, San Jacinto holds a special place in the hearts of Texans, as it marks the site of the decisive battle that concluded the Texas Revolution. The Battle of San Jacinto took place on April 21, 1836, and resulted in Texas gaining independence from Mexico when the Texan Army, led by Gen. Sam Houston, captured the Mexican dictator General Santa Anna. Located near Houston, the battlefield now features the San Jacinto Monument and Museum, which are open to the public seven days a week.

3. Palo Alto

The Battle of Palo Alto, occurring on May 8, 1846, was the first engagement in the two-year conflict known as the US/Mexican War. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1960 and a National Historic Site in 1978. Today, this 3,400-acre battlefield is the only unit of the National Park Service focused primarily on the US/Mexican War. Open to the public year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, Palo Alto offers a glimpse into this pivotal moment in history.

4. Fort Texas

The initial military action of the US/Mexican War was an artillery exchange between US troops at Fort Texas and Mexican forces stationed across the river in Matamoros. Surviving bombardment and the war itself, Fort Texas, later known as Fort Brown, remained an active US military post until after World War II. Today, portions of Fort Brown are integrated into the University of Texas-Brownsville campus and the Fort Brown Golf Course.

5. Goliad

On October 9, 1835, the first offensive action of the Texas Revolution transpired in Goliad. Two months later, the initial ‘Declaration of Independence’ was signed at a mission in Goliad. Tragically, in 1836, Col. James Fannin and 341 Texan soldiers who were captured following the Battle of Coleto Creek were executed in what is now referred to as the Goliad Massacre. Today, the site of the Battle of Coleto Creek is preserved as a state historic site at the Fannin Battleground, which is part of the Texas Independence Trail.