Product Description
These tea stained cotton flags are beautifully framed with beaded hardwood frames. Perfect for those that have a love for the history of Texas or are looking for something beautiful and original to spice up a room! Each of our flags are appliqued and fully sewn, made from 100% cotton bunting that was previously stained with tea. All frames are handcrafted beaded hardwood picture frames. These flags make wonderful gifts or just might be that one item that brings a room together. You can purchase our flags with an ease of mind knowing that the flag and frame are completely made in America!
This Gonzales Flag features:
- Tea-Stained 100% Cotton Bunting
- Beaded Hardwood Frame
- Appliqued Star
- Sewn Stripes
- Made in America!
Mexican troops descended on Béxar late February 1836, raising the blood-red flag signifying “No Quarter.” The Mexican army besieged the Alamo for 13 days, these consisted mostly of several small skirmishes. William Travis and James Bowie were left in command of the small army at the Alamo while Colonel James C. Neill left to recruit reinforcements before the Mexican army arrived. Santa Anna brought close to 2,500 troops with him from Mexico. March 6th is when the Mexican army stormed the Alamo killing between 182-257 Texian defenders, somewhere between 4 and 7 men were captured and quickly executed, Davey Crockett was one of these unfortunate souls. Even though the Mexican army took the Alamo, it wasn’t without its costs; a third of the Mexican army was killed during the siege. Several days later the battle of Refugio ensued, the Texians repulsed several attacks and inflicted heavy casualties on the Mexican army but by the end of the day a supply shortage forced the Texians to retreat. After retreating for several days, the Mexican troops caught up to the Texian forces. After a day of fighting the Texians surrendered to the Mexican army after their artillery arrived. Many Texians were under the impression that they would be taken as POW’s and released back to the United States, unfortunately they were wrong. On Palm Sunday, March 27th, Fannin, Ward, Westover and their men were marched out of Presidio La Bahía and shot.
As news of the Alamo’s fall spread, volunteers swelled, reaching up 1,400 men on March 19. Houston learned of Fannin’s defeat on March 20th, realizing his army was the last hope for independent Texas. Unfortunately, his troops were ill-trained and ill-disciplined, he knew they would only be good for one battle before they were outflanked. Houston continued to avoid combat, to the immense displeasure of his troops. On March 31st, Houston paused his troops at Groce’s Landing, about 15 miles north of San Felipe. Two companies were left to guard the crossings on the Brazos River. For the next 2 weeks, the Texian forces rested, recovered from illness, and most importantly, practiced military drills. While there training, Samuel P. Carson, Secretary of State in Ohio, sent the Texian forces two cannons, known as the Twin Sister. On April 14th, a frustrated Santa Anna led to a small force of about 700 troops to capture the Texas government. Many of the government officials had fled Harrisburg hours before the Mexican troops arrived. Colonel Juan Almonte was sent to intercept them in New Washington. Unfortunately, he was too late and he arrived just as Burnet was shoving his rowboat off land, he was bound for Galveston Island. Although the boat was within firing range, Almonte ordered his men to hold their fire as to not endanger Burnet’s family. After, Santa Anna ordered Harrisburg be burned down and then they pressed on to Lynchburg. Texian troops marched into Harrisburg April 16th capturing a Mexican courier carrying information on the locations and future plans of all the Mexican troops in Texas. Realizing Santa Anna was not too far away and he had a small force with him, Houston gave a rousing speech to his troops. “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad” rang through the camp as he gave this speech, the morale of the Texian troops were raised, spirits were up; they raced towards Lynchburg. Houston ordered that the Tejano troops led by Seguín and José Antonio Menchaca wear cardboard in their hats to identify them as a Texian soldiers.
The Texians set up camp in an area along the Buffalo Bayou on April 20th, several hours later the Mexican army set up camp as well, only 500 yards away from the Texian forces. Santa Anna received reinforcements from his brother-in-law, General Cos, this brought their numbers up to 1,200 men. Unfortunately, Cos’ troops were mainly comprised of raw recruits, not experienced soldiers, also they had been marching for 24 hours, with no food, water, or rest, all to meet with Santa Anna’s forces. A couple of skirmishes happened early in the day. Shortly after Mexican reinforcements arrived, Houston ordered to have the Vince’s Bridge destroyed to slow down any further Mexican reinforcements. On April 21st around 4:30, the Texian army destroyed the bridge with cannon fire, thus initiating the battle of San Jacinto. After a single volley, Texians broke rank and swarmed over Mexican breastworks surprising those behind cover. With all the Mexican commanders giving conflicting order, attempting to organize their troops. Within the 18 minutes, Mexican soldiers abandoned their camp and fled in fright. Texians were chanting “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” as they fought, which contributed to the fear of the Mexican troops. By the end of the battle, the Mexican troops had suffered around 650 killed and 300 captured; 11 Texians died with only 30 wounded, one of which being Houston. Santa Anna was later captured as he was hiding in the marshes near Vince’s Bridge and brought back to Houston. Later the Treaties of Velasco were signed, it required all Mexican troops to retreat South of the Rio Grande and that all private property be respected and restored. POW’s would be unharmed and released, Santa Anna would be given passage to Veracruz immediately. With this Texas gained its independence, it would later be invited into the State of the Union but it wouldn’t be for another 10 years.
