Battle of the Alazan
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Fought in this vicinity June 20, 1813. One in chain of clashes between Spanish Royalists and insurgent elements in Coahuila and Texas, 1811-1813. Col. Ygnacio Elizondo was ordered to lead his Spanish Royalists force to Frio River -- but no further. Instead, the colonel, having changed sides twice since opening of hostilities in 1810 and wanting to redeem his honor by reconquering province of Texas for Spanish rule, came to the outskirts of San Antonio some 500 yards west of the Alazan. Underestimating enemy ability, he pitched camp without precaution, neglected to post scouts for pickets. Only 2 bastions of 6 artillery pieces protected camp. Women, children were allowed to mingle with troops. The republican army of the north was in position about camp at sunrise; bounty-collecting Indians were waiting to chase, capture, scalp runaway troops. Then, while Elizondo's men were at Mass, the 2-hour battle began. With a solid green banner for flag, the insurgent leader, Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara, led his men through the very center of Spanish camp. Only those mounted on fleet horses escaped. Elizondo, who had 2 horses shot from under him, managed to catch up with remnants of his army some 15 miles from the battlefield as they hurried to the Rio Grande. (1967)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On June 20, 1813, the plains just west of San Antonio saw one clash in the violent struggle that convulsed Spanish Texas as insurgents rose against royal rule. Colonel Ygnacio Elizondo, who had already switched sides twice, camped carelessly near the Alazán and was overwhelmed at dawn by the republican Army of the North under Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara, who charged straight through the Spanish camp behind a solid green banner. Only the best-mounted royalists escaped the two-hour battle.
Why it matters
It belongs to the turbulent decade of revolt against Spain that would soon give birth to Mexico — and, before long, to an independent Texas.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Centro de Artes1.3 mi away
- Spanish Governor's Palace1.5 mi away
- Artpace1.6 mi away · 445 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX
- Visitor's Center Museum1.7 mi away
- Villa Finale1.8 mi away
- Steves Homestead Museum1.8 mi away
Attractions
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site1.4 mi away
- Terror Mansion1.6 mi away
- Air Castles1.7 mi away
- River boat boarding1.8 mi away
- Scobee Planetarium1.9 mi away
- La Villita2.0 mi away
Food & drink
- Texas de Brazil1.9 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- Landry's Seafood House1.9 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- Paesanos Riverwalk1.9 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
- The Local Bar1.9 mi away
- Saltgrass Steak House1.9 mi away
- Playland Pizza1.9 mi away
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk1.7 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio1.8 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio1.8 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spa1.8 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio1.8 mi away · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Home2 Suites by Hilton San Antonio Downtown - Riverwalk, TX1.8 mi away · 603 Navarro Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Ygnacio Elizondo
- · Bernardo Gutiérrez de Lara
Related events
- · Battle of the Alazán
Themes & tags
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