America's Best History Spotlight

On this page we're going to Spotlight the lesser known historic sites and attractions that dot the history landscape across the USA and are worth a visit if you're in their area. And while they may be lesser known, some are very unique, and will be that rare find. You'll be, at times, on the ground floor, or maybe even know something others don't. It'll be fun. Visit them.

San Jacinto Battleground, Texas

The area around today's Houston and Galveston Bay was sparsely populated in 1835 when the battle for Texas independence began, with small to large ranches conducted by citizens of Mexico. However, by that year, the citizens had become tired of the dictatorial regime of Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. But his six thousand man army was powerful, taking the Alamo in March and recovering the bastion at Goliad later that month. But, for various tactical reasons that would prove his downfall, Santa Anna divided his troops, and with a portion of them resting in the groves of trees of San Jacinto, Texas General Sam Houston saw his opportunity. What those eighteen minutes would not gain.

Today, you can visit the site of his spectacularly quick victory. There's trails to walk, driving tours to drive, and tours of the monument, grounds, and museum. And yes, years later they'd name the area after Sam, today's Houston, Texas.

Image above: Reenactors of the Mexican army advancing at the Battle of San Jacinto, 2014, Carol M. Highsmith. Courtesy Library of Congress. Below: Painting of the surrender of Santa Anna, 1886, William Henry Huddle, Texas State Capitol. Courtesy Wikipedia Commons.

Where Is It

It's in Houston, well, east of downtown and close enough in La Porte. Address is 3523 Independence Parkway South, La Porte, TX 77571. That's basically east off Interstate 10.