The Mier Expedition
Roma, Starr County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A body of Texans intent on invading Mexico camped here on December 21, 1842. After being made prisoners at Salado, Mexico, they drew beans, white for life in prison, black for death. 17 members of the expedition were shot by order of General Santa Anna, March 25, 1843.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In December 1842 a body of Texans bent on invading Mexico camped near this spot on the Rio Grande. Taken prisoner after fighting at Mier and a later revolt at Salado, the men were forced to draw beans from a jar—white for life, black for execution. On March 25, 1843, seventeen of those who drew black beans were shot by order of General Santa Anna.
Why it matters
The Black Bean Episode became one of the most infamous atrocities of the Texas–Mexico borderland conflict, hardening feelings on both sides in the years before the Mexican-American War.
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Related people
- · Antonio López de Santa Anna
Related events
- · Mier Expedition
- · Black Bean Episode
Themes & tags
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