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In What Year Was Most of the Texas Revolution Fought?

Published in Texas History 2 mins read

Most of the Texas Revolution was fought in 1836.

The Texas Revolution, a pivotal conflict for Texas's independence, spanned parts of two years, beginning in late 1835 and concluding in early 1836. While it commenced in October 1835, the majority of the fighting, including many of its most decisive battles, occurred in the following year.

The Timeline of the Texas Revolution

The war for independence was waged from October 1835 to April 1836. A breakdown of the months involved in each year clearly indicates where the bulk of the conflict took place:

Year Months of Conflict Duration (Months)
1835 October, November, December 3
1836 January, February, March, April 4

As the table illustrates, four months of intense fighting occurred in 1836, compared to three months in 1835. This longer duration within 1836, combined with the concentration of significant military engagements during this period, solidifies 1836 as the year in which most of the revolution was fought.

Key Events of 1836

The year 1836 witnessed some of the most memorable and impactful events of the revolution, ultimately leading to Texas's independence from Mexico. These included:

  • The Siege and Battle of the Alamo (February 23 – March 6, 1836): A thirteen-day siege that culminated in a devastating defeat for the Texan defenders, yet became a powerful rallying cry.
  • The Goliad Massacre (March 27, 1836): Another tragic event where hundreds of Texan prisoners of war were executed by Mexican forces.
  • The Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836): The decisive victory for the Texan army led by Sam Houston, which secured Texas's independence. This battle, lasting only about 18 minutes, effectively ended the war and led to the founding of the Republic of Texas.

These critical battles and events, all occurring within 1836, highlight why this year was the period of most significant military action during the Texas Revolution.