Vicinity of the Storming of Bexar
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(December 5-9, 1835) First of four major engagements of the War for Texas Independence, this sanguinary battle ended a siege of six weeks. The assault began at dawn, Dec. 5. 300 volunteers (Texans, Mexicans,and Americans) under Cols. Frank W. Johnson and Benjamin R. Milam attacked 1,200 Mexican troops commanded by Gen. Martin P. de Cos defending San Antonio, then known as Bexar. Two columns advanced into the strongly fortified town along Acequia (now Main) and Soledad streets guided by townsmen John W. Smith (first mayor of San Antonio), Hendrick Arnold (famous scout and free Negro), "Deaf" Smith (who helped destroy Vince's Bridge at Battle of San Jacinto), and Samuel A. Maverick (a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence). The Texans gained the "priest's house" Dec. 8 after bitter house-to-house fighting. This Mexican strong point dominated Main Plaza. Covered by a fusillade of musketry, the Mexicans retired to the Alamo and sent a white flag to the Plaza the following day. An honorable truce with a brave enemy was signed on Dec. 10 in the "Cos House" in historic La Villita. Later engagements--fall of the Alamo and massacre at Goliad--were followed by final victory and Texas Independence at San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. (1971)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
From December 5–9, 1835, roughly 300 Texan, Tejano, and American volunteers under Cols. Frank W. Johnson and Benjamin R. Milam stormed San Antonio de Béxar, held by some 1,200 Mexican troops under Gen. Martín Perfecto de Cos. Guided through the streets by townsmen including first mayor John W. Smith and scout Hendrick Arnold, the attackers fought house to house until the Mexicans withdrew to the Alamo and surrendered under an honorable truce on December 10. It was the first of the four major engagements of the Texas War for Independence.
Why it matters
The capture of Béxar was the opening victory of the Texas Revolution, setting the stage for the Alamo, Goliad, and the decisive triumph at San Jacinto.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Spanish Governor's Palace0.2 mi away
- Briscoe Western Art Museum0.3 mi away · 210 West Market Street
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum0.3 mi away
- Centro de Artes0.3 mi away
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.4 mi away
- Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium0.4 mi away
Attractions
- River boat boarding0.2 mi away
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.3 mi away
- La Villita0.3 mi away
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Yanaguana Garden0.5 mi away
Food & drink
- Paesanos Riverwalk0.3 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
- Saltgrass Steak House0.3 mi away
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.3 mi away
- Landry's Seafood House0.3 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- Mad Dogs British Pub0.3 mi away · 123 Losoya Street
- Rainforest Cafe0.3 mi away · 110 East Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
Places to stay
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.1 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk0.2 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.2 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio0.2 mi away · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Hotel Contessa0.2 mi away · 306 West Market Street
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio0.2 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Benjamin R. Milam
- · Frank W. Johnson
- · Martín Perfecto de Cos
- · John W. Smith
- · Hendrick Arnold
Related events
- · Storming of Bexar
- · Texas Revolution
- · Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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