Robert Hancock Hunter was born in 1813 in Ohio to parents Dr. Johnson Hunter and Martha Harbert. The family immigrated to Texas in 1822, settling near New Washington. Robert was 23 at the time of the Texas Revolution and fought in the Grass Fight during the siege of Bexar and was discharged following Cos' surrender. When word of the siege of the Alamo spread, Hunter volunteered for Captain John Bird's Company, under whom he served for the duration of the revolution. Bird's Company missed the Battle of San Jacinto, but they were present at the battleground later that day and for several more afterwards. Keep Reading
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Planning a field trip to the Alamo this spring? This handout details how to get the most out of your visit to the site. Reservations are highly recommended when visiting during this busy time and are required if you want to arrange a guided tour. Keep Reading |
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Additional Primary Sources
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Firearms of the Texas Frontier Exhibit Videos
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| | Henry Repeating Rifle: The Evolution of the Winchester (Firearms of the Texas Frontier) |
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| | Winchester Model 1866 "Yellow Boy": The Evolution of the Winchester |
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| | Winchester Model 1873: The Evolution of the Winchester |
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Greetings!
Greetings and welcome to the May 2015 edition of the Alamo Messenger. This month's issue explores the aftermath of the Battle of San Jacinto and the end of the Texas Revolution. You can also read about the origins of Cince de Mayo.
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Feature Article
Fort Parker: The Texas Revolution & Beyond
The summer of 1835 ushered in a period of uncertainty for Texans. The rise of centralism threatened to end the young Federal Republic of Mexico. President Santa Anna had just brutally crushed a Federalist uprising in Zacatecas. General Martín Perfecto de Cos closed the state legislature at
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Drawing of Chief Bowles. Texas State Library and Archives Commission
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Monclova, the capital of Coahuila y Tejas, and was rumored to be preparing a campaign against Texas. Thus, it appeared likely at the end of May that the colonists might have to resort to arms in order to defend their republican principles. Another, equally serious, problem presented itself. Political chiefs throughout Texas had received numerous warnings about a growing danger posed by the department's Indian population. Keep Reading
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Artifact of the Month
Sea of Mud Artifacts
These artifacts were recovered from an area near present day Wharton County, Texas, commonly known as the Sea of Mud during the Texas Revolution. The items were dropped by the Mexican Army as they withdrew following the battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Heavy rainfall had caused the area to become a sea of mud in which men, women, wagons, horses, mules and oxen became stuck. For approximately two weeks, the Mexican Army struggled through the mud to advance towards the border. The items in the photo are part of the Phil Collins Texana Collection at the Alamo and are as follows:
- Five.72 caliber musket balls
- Brown Bess Musket Trigger Guard
- Spur
- Brown Bess Butt Plate
- Eagle Insignia
Photos and Text by Ernesto Rodriguez, III, Alamo Assistant Curator.
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Stories of Texas Women
Peggy McCormick
Disposal of bodies during the Texas Revolution was a problem faced by both the Mexican and Texan armies. Following the Battle of the Alamo and the Goliad Massacre, the Mexican troops burned the bodies of the slain Texans. Following the battle of San Jacinto, Sam Houston made no provisions to dispose of the Mexicans troops killed in the battle and the corpses remained where they lay. Unfortunately for one Texas woman, Margaret "Peggy" McCormick, the decomposing bodies were lying on her property. Keep Reading
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Legend vs. EvidenceDid the Battle of San Jacinto Guarantee Texas' Independence?
School books often give the impression that the Texan victory at San Jacinto on April 21, 1836 guaranteed the existence of the new nation by ending the conflict between Texas and Mexico. In the long run there is a reason that this might seem the case. Santa Anna was defeated, his army left Texas, and the Republic lasted for nearly ten years until it was annexed by the United States. Nevertheless, despite this signal victory the Republic still faced several serious challenges, anyone of which could have spelled doom. Keep Reading
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This Month in Texas History
Cinco de Mayo
Every year Texans are asked to help celebrate a holiday called Cinco de Mayo. Many do, saluting the day with plenty of ice cold cerveza. One has to ask, though: How many people actually know the origins of the holiday or what really happened on May 5, 1862? The sad answer is "not many." Here is the history of Cinco de Mayo. Keep Reading
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Thank you for reading the May 2015 edition of the Alamo Messenger. Join us next month as we conclude our month-by-month survey of the Texas Revolution. As always, we welcome your feedback on how we can continue to improve our newsletter and provide our subscribers with quality content.
Thank you, The Alamo Education Department Staff
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The Alamo needs your help! On May 5th, your donation of $10 or more can help fund living history programs at the Alamo. Learn how you can help.
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 | Exhibit Extended by Popular Demand!
Now At the Alamo through May 31st
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