Battle of San Jacinto Teacher Resources
Remember the Alamo!
After a brief 18-minute battle at San Jacinto swayed the victory of the Texas Revolution to General Sam Houston and his Texian Army in April 1836, Texan independence seemed imminent. General Santa Anna, the defeated leader of the Mexican army, signed the peace treaty that paved the way for the Republic of Texas to separate from Mexico—only to be annexed by the United States nine years later.
Focus on this pivotal conflict of the Texas Revolution with our high-quality social studies resources, including an overview presentation on the revolution and an engaging activity that details the Battle of the Alamo. Next, show an informative video on the annexation of Texas, followed by a unit on the Mexican-American War.
Want to connect the content to language arts? Check out a series of lessons on the media’s influence during the Mexican-American War, which discusses how the war effort was affected by mass circulation of newspapers.
Showing 78 resources
San Jacinto Museum of History
San Jacinto Museum: Commanders in the Field: Edward Burleson
A dedicated Texan, Edward Burleson served his country, and later state, as a military officer and statesman. His brief biography is given on this San Jancinto Museum site.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Mc Ardle Notebooks: Battle of San Jacinto: John P Ferrell to the Mc Ardle
Read an account of Sam Houston's clothing, as well as the uniforms of the Mexican soldiers, during the Battle of San Jacinto. Part of artist Henry McArdle's research for his painting, "The Battle of San Jacinto."
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Battle of San Jacinto: Mrs. Lola Lamar Calder to Mc Ardle, November 22, 1891
Mirabeau Lamar's daughter, Lola Lamar Calder, writes artist Henry McArdle, who did extensive research on Lamar, as well as others, before painting his "The Battle of San Jacinto." This site includes images of the original letter, typed...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Battle of San Jacinto: Portrait of General Mirabeau B. Lamar
Here is a portrait of Mirabeau Lamar, part of artist Henry McArdle's collection of research for his painting, "The Battle of San Jacinto." Includes a link to an article on Lamar, from the "Handbook of Texas."
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Texas Treasures: Thomas Rusk
Thomas Rusk's Oath of Citizenship, Report from San Jacinto, and Letter on the 1850 Boundary Compromise are found here. You will see a picture of the original document, and a typed translation.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Mc Ardle Notebooks: William S. Taylor to William C. Crane
In this typed letter, William S. Taylor praises the conduct of General Sam Houston during the Battle of San Jacinto. This site, providing links to a handwritten version as well as a biography on the letter's recipient (William C. Crane),...
Other
Gallaudet University: Reading Exercise: Erastus Smith
This biographical sketch provides interesting details about the Battle of San Jacinto, in which Erastus Smith played a vital role.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Battle of San Jacinto: Photograph, Mirabeau B. Lamar
Here is a photo of Mirabeau Lamar, part of artist Henry McArdle's collection of research for his painting, "The Battle of San Jacinto." Includes a link to an article on Lamar, from the "Handbook of Texas."
![Digital History: America's Manifest Destiny [Pdf] Website](https://d15y2dacu3jp90.cloudfront.net/images/attachment_defaults/resource/large/FPO-knovation.png "Digital History: America's Manifest Destiny [Pdf] Website")
Digital History
Digital History: America's Manifest Destiny [Pdf]
After a brief discussion of Manifest Destiny in other parts of country, read about the Texas rebellion against Mexico, the battles against Santa Anna, and the treaties that made Texas an independent country. [pdf]
San Jacinto Museum of History
Herzstein Library: Smith, Erastus
This biography of Erastus Smith includes a deed to property in San Antonio granted to him by an Act of Congress, as well as other correspondence about Smith. Highlights his role as scout during fight for Texas independence.
Curated OER
San Jacinto Monument
Read about the monument commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto and see pictures of the carvings on it.
Curated OER
San Jacinto Monument Aerial View
Read about the monument commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto and see pictures of the carvings on it.
Texas A&M University
Sons of De Witt Colony: Antonio Lopez De Santa Anna
Extensive biography of Mexican General, President, and Dictator. The site from the Texas A & M University includes many direct quotes from Santa Anna describing his legacy and life.
Lone Star Junction
Lone Star Junction: Treaties of Velasco
The "public" treaty of Velasco between the Republic of Texas and Santa Anna is presented in both English and Spanish on this PBS site. An explanation of the "secret" treaty is given also. Links to other websites.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Treaties of Velasco
A brief description of how the Treaties of Velasco came about. The full text of the Public Treaty as well as the Secret Treaty are included.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Texas Revolution
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart gives an overview of the Texas Revolution. Using a mind map and a time line, students are visually drawn in to the events leading up to Texas gaining independence from Mexico. Links to...
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Samuel Houston
Learn about one of the great founders of the state of Texas. Sam Houston led Texans through many difficult years and is rightfully remembered for his role in Texas' independence and statehood. (In Spanish)
Digital History
Digital History: The Texas Revolution
Why would American citizens emigrate to Spanish-held, and later Mexican-held Texas? Read about the reasons, their grievances against their Mexican rulers, and the eventual revolution that brought independence to Texas.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Harcourt: Biographies: Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar
Brief biography of Texas historical writer includes helpful information regarding Texas history of the 19th century.
Digital History
Digital History: The Texas Question in American Politics
A very interesting explanation of how Texas was annexed to the United States despite much opposition. Read about the false conspiracy put forth by pro-slavery Southerners concerning Great Britain's plan for Texas.
Other
The Texas Hill Country: Texas History
This site provides a wide range of unique and interesting articles and online books which focus on various aspects of Texas' history. Content ranges from the first people of Texas to the presidency of Anson Jones to a look at one of the...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: Hard Road to Texas 1836 1845: Texas Breaks Away Alone in the Wilderness
Read about the effects of the Texas Revolution. How did Americans react? How did the annexation process begin, and what roadblocks were there? Find the answers to these questions, and check out a map of Texas from 1836 and other primary...
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Mc Ardle Notebooks: Mc Ardle's Portrait of Sam Houston, 1876
Here is a portrait of Sam Houston by Henry McArdle, the artist behind "The Battle of San Jacinto." It is accompanied by McArdle's handwritten notes and related a newspaper clipping from 1876.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
Texas State Library and Archives Commission: The Mc Ardle Notebooks: Portrait of General Sam Houston
Here is a photo of General Sam Houston, which is part of artist Henry McArdle's notebook of research used in painting "The Battle of San Jacinto." Includes a link to an article on Houston.
