This is not a walk on event. Participants must make application and be accepted in order to participate in the re-enactment. There will be three camps: Texian Army camp, Mexican Army camp and the Runaway (Civilian) camp. This is a family affair and period correct costuming for the 1830s. This is also not a Buckskinners' Rendezvous type of event. Volunteers are needed and your participation will be appreciated. Please view pictures from past events so that you can get a feel for the event. 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1998
More information will be forthcoming. Camp and performance rules will be posted. Those interested in participating should contact Jerry Tubbs.
Each year Texas celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. Measured by its results, it is considered one of the most decisive battles in history. When the Republic of Texas joined the United States and the resulting Mexican War, almost one-third of the present area of the United States, nearly a million square miles of territory, changed sovereignty.
As a special tribute, the San Jacinto Museum of History and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sponsors the reenactment of the battle and related historical presentations to celebrate this famous battle. Living Historians from across Texas and the Nation will be on hand to educate the visitors on all aspects of life during the Texas Revolution.
Close your eyes as you enter the park and imagine that time has been turned back to April, 1836. Remember that the ground on which you are walking is the same that is under General Sam Houston as he paces, planning his attack on General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, "The Napoleon of the West." This same ground that rests under Sam Jones, a young farmer from Nacogdoches, that has left his young wife and six month old daughter to fight for their freedom. The same ground that gives a cool resting place to Dick, a black freedman, who with the rest of the Texian musicians will drum the signal to attack during the upcoming battle. The same ground that lies beneath the exhausted Mexican troops after their 1,000 mile march across a harsh and unforgiving land. The same ground that will lay beneath the dead of both sides after an 18 minute battle for freedom and values.
Civilian Encampment
Visit the "Runaway Scrape" encampment of Texian civilians that have stopped to rest in their desperate attempt to reach the safety of Louisiana and escape the Mexican Army, whose leader has vowed "No Quarter" to those who defy his rule.
See what everyday life is like in your new time period. Learn how to make soap for bathing and washing clothes, make beeswax candles for the dark nights ahead, cook on an open fire and write to a loved one, back east, with a quill pen and inform them as to your plight and well being. Churn some butter for the cornbread that bakes in the Dutch ovens. Discuss the politics of this rapidly changing time.
Texian Army Camp
As you enter the Texian Army camp you will be required to give up your horse as ordered by General Houston. Only a chosen few will be allowed to ride in the Texian Cavalry. Enlist in the Army of Texas and receive a promissory note for 640 acres to be received after faithful service.
You are now a foot soldier, as is the majority of this army. You will be trained in the "order of Drill" as an infantryman and artilleryman. Learn the proper way to load your flintlock rifle or musket. Master the art of firing by line, firing by volley and proper bayonet tactics.
Receive your artillery training that prepares you to serve on the two cannons, known fondly as the "Twin sisters," donated to the Texian cause by the citizens of Cincinnati, Ohio.
Master the art of bullet molding that will provide you with shot during the upcoming battle. Become versed in the primitive medical practices that will treat the wounds that are sure to be suffered. Learn how the drums and fifes will be used to signal movements of your company on the field of battle. Discuss how you will use, your soon to be acquired "Donation Land."
Mexican Army Camp
Be careful to present the proper papers to the sentries, as they are leery of Tejano citizens who have been spying on their movements and plans. Visit General Santa Anna’s elaborate quarters and talk with him personally. Train in the Napoleonic military order of drill practiced by the Mexican Army. Learn ho to properly fire the standard issue "Brown Bess" musket.
Find that the Mexican Army is made up of, not only Mexican citizens, but soldiers from other countries as well. Be trained in the proper firing of the only Mexican cannon that will be present for this battle, "The Golden Standard." The rest of the Mexican artillery and army are in reserve at Fort Bend on the Brazos River. General Santa Anna has rushed a small force ahead of his main troops in an effort to catch the fleeing Texian government.
Watch as the elite Lancer Corps practice their graceful yet deadly maneuvers on horseback.
Living Historians
The participants involved in today’s presentation are known as "Living Historians." They come from all parts of Texas and surrounding states, and from all walks of life. They have at least one thing in common - a love of Texas and History. Countless hours have been dedicated to research, constructing and mastering the use of the equipment you see being used. The clothing they wear, the tools they use and the weapons they carry are either from the 1830’s time period or handmade to replicate, in every detail, those used during the colonization of Texas. In many cases, they study and portray actual individuals present in Texas during it’s early years. A number have played parts in movies on Texas history, such as "The Price of Freedom," "Gone to Texas," "Texas" and "True Women."
Yes, all guns and weapons are real and should be treated as such. They are the personal property of the reenactors. Please, handle only if you are given permission by the owner. In most cases, they will be more than happy to allow you. But ask first.
A special thanks to the Living History Associations making this event possible, including: San Antonio Living History Association (SALHA) Wharton County Time Walkers Crossroads of Texas Living History Association (COTLHA) Alamo Legends & Missions Association (ALMA) The George Ranch Foundation San Jacinto Volunteers
And another special thanks to our financial supporters: Katy Steel Co., Inc. T.A.S. Proco, LP Peltier Brothers Construction NBG Construction Stiver Engineering, Inc. Schier Construction Rohm & Haus Industries Blue Bell Ice Cream
San Jacinto Day Memorial Ceremony
Annually, on April 21st the San Jacinto Historical Advisory Board, in conjunction with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the San Jacinto Museum of History, presents a program commemorating the individuals who fought and those that died on the San Jacinto Battlefield to insure the independence of a democratic Texas. The presenters are honored by your attendance and support of this memorial program.
San Jacinto Battleground Master Plan
In late 1995 the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the San Jacinto Museum of History began to develop a Master Plan for the San Jacinto Battleground State Historical Park. The primary purposes of the Park are to commemorate the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto and to preserve and interpret the Battleground. The site is of state, national and international significance because the Battle of San Jacinto gave the Republic of Texas its independence from Mexico and opened the way for westward expansion of the United States.
The objective of the Master Plan is to redesign the Park so as to give primary emphasis to the Battle and its physical setting, to enhance interpretation and the visitor experience, and to preserve the essential element of the Park, the Battleground. Achieving this vision will require relocating or removing some existing elements and putting new elements in areas away from the main flow of the Battle. This project is undertaken as a unique public-private partnership and will take many years to accomplish..
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