Your Mission, If You Accept It: “Texan” Culture and the Performance of the Alamo

Abstract

On 21 April 1836, members of the Texian army under the leadership of General Sam Houston overwhelmed and routed the pursuing forces of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, President of Mexico, in a bloody, twenty-minute conflict on the plain of San Jacinto. The Texian army and terrified settlers, who had heard that Santa Anna promised death to all Americans still living in Texas, had been retreating towards the Sabine River and the relative safety of the United States, when they suddenly turned and attacked. The Mexican army, camping on an open plain surrounded by three rivers and in the middle of siesta, were taken completely by surprise. As Houston's forces stormed the camp, shouts went up from the men—the battle cry of retribution: “Remember the Alamo!! Remember Goliad!”