Sam Houston's Camp West of the Brazos
Cochran, Austin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(March 31-April 13, 1836) At the end of March 1836, following the defeat of Texan forces at the Alamo and at Goliad, the retreating Texas army led by Gen. Sam Houston encamped at this site. While in camp here Houston's forces were reorganized and received much needed reinforcements and supplies, including the "Twin Sisters," a pair of cannon. After training his soldiers here for two weeks, Houston led them across the river in pursuit of the Mexican army, which they engaged and defeated on April 21 in the Battle of San Jacinto, the final battle of the Texas Revolution. (1990)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the anxious weeks after the fall of the Alamo and the Goliad massacre in the spring of 1836, Sam Houston's outnumbered Texian army fell back east and made camp along the Brazos. Here Houston drilled his raw recruits, absorbed fresh reinforcements and supplies, and took delivery of the "Twin Sisters" cannon that would soon see action. From this staging ground he crossed the river and marched to the decisive victory at San Jacinto on April 21.
Why it matters
The quiet fortnight at this camp turned a retreating, demoralized force into the army that won Texas its independence, reshaping the map of North America on the road to the Mexican-American War.
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Related people
- · Sam Houston
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto
- · Texas Revolution
Themes & tags
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