Mexican Army in Texas

Most Texans consider Mexican General Santa Anna’s surrender to Sam Houston at San Jacinto the final episode of the Texas Revolution, but the weather also played a pivotal role.  General Vicente Filisola was leading a contingent of 2,500 Mexican soldiers and 1,500 female camp followers to San Jacinto but they foundered in the soft alluvial soils of what is now Wharton County, Texas.   

Learn how American history could have been vastly different if they had arrived at their planned destination from archeologist, historian and author, Dr. Gregg Dimmick at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Allen Public Library.    

General Filisola camped at Old Fort [Rosenberg] and was awaiting orders from Santa Anna when he received word of the Mexican General’s defeat at San Jacinto.  Plotting his next move, Filisola convened with his generals and a decision was made to withdraw to Victoria or Goliad to await orders from the Mexican government.  Torrential rains struck during the withdrawal and the forces became mired in the muds, which deterred further efforts to assist Santa Anna.  Had it not rained or if the army had been camped on more cohesive and stable soils, Filisola could have been the victor of the Texas Revolution.  

Dr. Gregg Dimmick is the author of the highly acclaimed book, Sea of Mud, which completely modified the perception of the retreating Mexican Army following the Battle of San Jacinto.  Dr. Dimmick participated in important archeological excavations at the Texan and Mexican army campsites, including Sea of Mud (El Mar de Lodo), Fannin Battleground, San Jacinto, Almonte surrender site and Groce's Plantation.   He is also the editor of General Filisola’s Analysis of Jose Urrea’s Military Diary, which provided considerable new details on this period in Texas history. 

Dr. Dimmick has appeared on the History Channel, Discovery Channel and Postcards from Texas. 

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the program is free.  The library is located at 300 N. Allen Dr.   Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

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