After the ALamo: The End of the Texas Revolution
After the fall of the Alamo, Sam Houston recruited less than 400 troops and began training them. However, while he was doing this, Santa Anna's armies, commanded by General Vicente Filisola marched through Texas, occupying towns and hoping to arrest the temporary government. Houston began retreating east on March 13, 1836. A rear unit commanded by Juan Seguin helped citizens escape and destroyed extra provisions. As volunteers arrived, Houston's forces grew to about 1,400 soldiers. Meanwhile, families living between the Colorado and Brazos Rivers panicked and started heading east towards the Sabine River. This was known as the Runaway Scrape due to the many misfortunes which plagued them on their way. The Mexican army advanced towards the Brazos River, but were turned away by the Texans. The, the Mexicans changed course towards Harrisburg, where President Burnet and his advisors were. Luckily, the Texan officials moved to New Washington. Santa Anna, however wouldn't give up. He headed for New Washington, but the Texans managed to escape to Galveston Island. Houston meanwhile, headed east of the Sabine River where American troops under the command of General Edmund P. Gaines might have been able to help him. On April 18, 1836, the Texans reached Buffalo Bayou. There, Houston learned that Santa Anna had moved his troops toward the San Jacinto River. Seeing opportunity, Houston moved his troops there next to Mexicans. The stage for the final battle: The Battle of San Jacinto had been set. On April 21, 1836, Houston's forces, chanting "Remember the Alamo!" and "Remember Goliad", attacked the Mexicans at San Jacinto while they were resting. The battle lasted for 18 minutes and the Mexicans were routed. A number of high ranking officers such as Santa Anna and Juan Almonte were captured. Finally, on May 14, 1836, Santa Anna signed the 2 treaties of Velasco (1 public and 1 secret), ending the Texas Revolution.