The San Jacinto Monument

Located on the east side of Houston is a monument which should be dear to all the people who live in Texas. It is at this location where an unruly, tattered band of brothers led by a brave commander who was determined to overcome overwhelming odds against a larger, more powerful army made his last stand. 

With the defeats at the Alamo and Goliad deeply burned in his mind, General Sam Houston gave the order to burn the bridges behind them. No one would be leaving this battle until one side was totally defeated. In the meantime, his nemesis, General Santa Anna, decided to give his troops a little rest and relaxation. He was so sure that the Texians would not attack his larger and more highly trained army, few guards were posted. They would be ready to line up and battle the Texians the next day if the Texians dared to show up. 

General Sam Houston decided on another game plan. He knew his smaller army was outmanned, so with the cunningness of a Cherokee Indian and the wisdom earned from the fighting the British at the Battle of New Orleans, Sam Houston decided on an afternoon surprise. It worked! The Texians routed the larger, more experienced Mexican Army in a record 18 minutes! With General Santa Anna’s capture the next day, the Republic of Texas was saved from early extinction and leaped into prominence with the powers of the world.

It is only fitting that in 1939 Texas erected the world’s tallest war memorial obelisk monument at the location of the battle. In Texas fashion, against the wishes of Washington D.C., the monument was built higher than the George Washington Monument. At the bottom of the monument, there is a fascinating Republic of Texas museum filled with artifacts and other items of interest. The museum is free of charge for all who are curious to learn more about our state’s history. At the top of the monument is an observation deck where you get a birds-eye view of the battlefield and see the scores of refineries and petrochemical plants that surround the site. 

If you never been to this historic site, it’s a must see “Bucket List” place in Texas. If you been before as a child like me, you will find it’s a great place to return and learn more about Texas history.

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