Lights, Camera, Action:Re-enacting One of the Most Important Battles in World History

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

The re-enactment utilizes pyrotechnics to simulate cannon fire with great affect. Soldiers on both side fire at will with black powder muskets. The battlefield is shrouded in smoke and the struggle at the breastworks is almost ghostly in appearance. Spectators yell and gasp as the battle moves quickly into, over and through the Mexican Camp. In 1836, Santa Anna escaped on horseback only to be captured the next morning and returned to the Texian Camp. For the re-enactment the famous surrender scene is portrayed that same day and Texas is given its Independence.

At the end of each battle re-enactment, a moment is taken to honor all of those who died on this field. The Texians fought for freedom and the Mexicans fought to put down the revolts in the provinces and preserve their nation. Yet, all gave their lives, and for that, they are recognized.

The course of history was changed that day. The settlers returned home and the Republic of Texas was created. After being exiled for his loss of land to Texas in 1836, Santa Anna returned to Mexico and was again elected president. When Texas was accepted into the United States, a boundary dispute developed between Mexico and the United States. In the Mexican War of 1845 Santa Anna lost and was forced to give up even more Mexican land. Some of the same Texas soldiers who defeated Santa Anna at San Jacinto in 1836 helped to defeat him again in 1845.

The spirit for freedom endures today. From the Declaration of Independence in 1776, the United States was formed. From the Declaration of Independence in 1810, the Republic of Mexico was formed. From the Declaration of Independence in 1836, the Republic of Texas was formed. As Texans, we have the unique opportunity to celebrate all three of these Independence Days as part of our heritage. At San Jacinto, the battlefield represents the struggle, the Monument honors the price that is paid for our freedom, and the Battleship Texas reminds us that freedom must be continually protected and defended.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: C. David Pomeroy, Jr. is a retired oil and gas attorney whose passion is Texas history, with a specialty in East Harris County history. He is an author, researcher, lecturer and living historian. He now lives with his wife, Cait, in Asheville, North Carolina. This article appeared in the Spring 2007 edition of Houston History. Houston History is published by the University of Houston, Center for Public History.

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05.07.2013