HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Early Settlers of Burleson County in the Texas War for Independence

Caldwell, Burleson County, Texas

Marker Inscription

When Mexican dictator Santa Anna revoked national rights, 30 or more men from this sparsely settled area left to resist his armies: in Grass Fight (Nov. 26, 1835), Siege of Bexar (Dec. 5-9) and other actions. While able men were absent, the foe came within 40 miles of here, pillaging the country. Civilians fled over the swollen Brazos, toward safety in the United States. Their men on April 21, 1836, helped win Battle of San Jacinto and independence. Some were in Regular Infantry Company A; Companies C, F, and H, 1st Regiment, and 4th Company, 2nd Regiment, Texas Volunteers. (1973)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

When Santa Anna revoked constitutional rights, thirty or more men left this thinly settled corner of Burleson County to join the Texas Revolution, fighting in the Grass Fight of November 1835 and the Siege of Bexar that December. With the men away, the Mexican advance came within forty miles, and civilians fled across the flooded Brazos toward safety in the United States during the panic known as the Runaway Scrape. On April 21, 1836, these settlers helped win the Battle of San Jacinto and Texas independence.

Why it matters

The marker honors the ordinary frontier families whose sacrifices—men in the field, families in flight—were the human cost behind Texas's fight for independence.

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Related people

  • · Antonio López de Santa Anna

Related events

  • · Grass Fight
  • · Siege of Bexar
  • · Battle of San Jacinto

Themes & tags

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