Texas Army

The State of Texas Official

1836 Ceremonial and Reenactment Group

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The Texas Army was first organized in 1835 to win independence for the colonist in the Mexican province of Texas. That army was made up of volunteers, from both Texas, the United States and a few foreign countries. They had no uniforms and were provided with few weapons and other military gear. Most were dressed in buckskins and brought their personal weapons. Although some of the Texans had seen action fighting Indians along the frontier, most were men without formal military training and discipline. General Sam Houston was appointed commander of this unique army.

El Presidente Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna of Mexico personally led the trained Mexican forces into Texas to drive the rebels out and offered no quarter to anyone who resisted, or carried a weapon. Outnumbered, out weaponed and out trained, General Sam Houston began a retreat towards the United States border at Louisiana after news arrived of the fate of the Alamo. Over confident, General Santa Anna lead an advance force ahead of his main force in an effort to capture the fleeing Texas Provisional Government. Sam Houston saw a unique opportunity and trapped Santa Anna at San Jacinto. In a surprise 18 minute battle, the Texans routed the Mexicans and Texas won her independence.

One hundred and thirty three years later, on April 21, 1969, a new Texas Army was formed to honor its predecessor and to keep the memory alive of those gallant men. Two months later, then Governor Preston Smith officially reactivated the Texas army for ceremonial purposes. Each member of the Texas Army is commissioned as a "Colonel" by the Governor of the State of Texas. The Texas Army participates as the special honor guard in the Governorial Inauguaration Parade. In addition, they host state functions, official ceremonial events, re-enact events of 1835 and 1836, and travel internationally representing Texas and the Texas Mystique.

Like the original army, the modern day Texas Army is made up of volunteers who provide their own authentic "uniforms," weapons and camp equipage. Members of the Texas Army come from all walks of life, bound together by a love of history. The Texas Army is dedicated to the purposes of perpetuating the memory of those early Texas patriots who worked and fought as the first army of the Republic of Texas. The Texas Army is dedicated to educating the public about Texas History.

General Carroll “Curley” Lewis passed away in 2009 and Sam Houston IV has been elected to replace him as the commanding General of the Texas Army. For information about the Texas Army, please contact: Col. John W. Martin at coljum@gmail.com For inquiries check out our membership application form. The Texas Army now has its own web site, please visit it for updated information at http://www.texasarmy.org/

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Annual Schedule of Appearances

March, first weekend: Texas Independence Day at Washington on the Brazos
March 17: Greening of the Bayou, Noon, at the end of Travis Street in Houston
April 21: Official San Jacinto Day recognition at 11 a..m. San Jacinto Battlefield State Historic Park at La Porte
October, fourth weekend: Austin's Town Celebration, campout, near Angleton.
October, last weekend: San Felipe Campout, San Felipe State Historic Park.
November 3: Stephen F. Austin's Birthday Celebration, West Columbia

Watch this space for additional postings as to times and locations where the Texas Army will be presented.

Other activities of Texas Army Members and Past Performances:

PILGRIM'S CAMP for living history skills.
Check out Col. Dennis Heckathorne's Texas Army Fife & Drum Corp. January 13, 2002: Opening ceremonies for the Houston Museum of Fine Art's exhibit on Historic Texas Flags.
Col. Jerry Tubbs is the Coordinator of the San Jacinto Battle Re-enactment on the Saturday following April 21st each year. Many Texas Army members are also members of the San Jacinto Volunteers who re-enact the famous battle that won Texas her independence.
Col. Jerry Tubbs is involed with the George Ranch Pioneer Farm.
Private K. R.Woods is a famous recording star with his Fathers of Texas album.
Col. & Lady Tubbs renew their wedding vows at WOB on March 5, 2000.
A few pictures from the 1997 re-enactment of the Declaration of Independence at Sam Houston Park in Houston.
A few pictures from the 1996 Beason Crossing (Columbus) and the Anderson encampments.
Col. C. David Pomeroy, Jr. maintains the Early Texas History website
Col. Jerry Tubbs has one of the best sutler companies with furniture and other camp niceties.
And for more Living History opportunities and a great Calendar of State wide events, see Texian Legacy Association

Return to Pasadena, The Early Years or to Texas Revolution of 1836

05.03.12