IN THIS ISSUE
APRIL 2016
The Alamo Messenger
Greetings and welcome to the April 2016 edition of The Alamo Messenger.  Last Month we looked at the political theories of federalism and centralism and why they matter to the Texas Revolution.  This month we explore the rise of Santa Anna and fall of Santa Anna.
Feature Article: The Rise of Santa Anna
Who was the real Santa Anna?  Historians who study the early Mexican national period have begun to answer this question.  True, he will forever be linked with atrocities carried out in the Texas Revolution.  Nevertheless, he was a man of his time and a product of the tumultuous changed taking place in Mexico as it transformed itself from Spanish colony, to federal republic, to centralist state.  The key to Santa Anna's rise is that he was in the right place at the right time.  Moreover, his rise was made possible by the personal connections he formed among Mexico's powerful elites.  The combination of these two factors propelled him onto Mexico's political stage and into history.  Read More
Artifact of the Month
This eagle head sword was once the property of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.  The sword measures 35 inches overall with a 29 � inch blade.  The blade shows some damage near the center, in the form of a crimp.  It has an ivory grip wrapped in wire.  The sword also has a brass Mexican Eagle with a liberty cap over it.  The highly decorated scabbard is made of brass and has two brass pieces with the Mexican Eagle with the liberty cap on them.  The scabbard is engraved with compass and floral motifs.  There is an inscription on the top of the scabbard that reads as follows:  "Lo de Sta Anna Presidente  Mexico 1833"  ( Lopez de Santa Anna President Mexico 1833).  This sword and scabbard are part of the Phil Collins Texana Collection at The Alamos

Photo and text by Ernesto Rodriguez, III, Alamo Associate Curator.
Colonial Texas: The Anahuac Disturbances
  The traditional story of the 1832 disturbance at Anahuac revolves around two personalities: Juan Davis Bradburn and William B. Travis. The former was a Kentuckian in the service of the Mexican government and the later was a native of South Carolina who had recently immigrated to Texas from Alabama. Bradburn, a colonel in the Mexican Army in command of Fort Anahuac, located close to where the Trinity River emptied into Galveston Bay, used his power to harass the colonists by interfering with their trade and right to self-government. Travis, a young lawyer, incurred Bradburn's wrath by challenging the colonel's authority.   Keep Reading 
In Their Own Words: The Fall of Santa Anna
James Washington Winters was born in Giles County, TN on January 21, 1817. His family migrated to Texas in1834, settling along the San Jacinto River near the present day city of Huntsville. Along with his father and two brothers, James volunteered for the Texas Army in late 1835 and was on his way to join the Siege of Bexar when they received news of Cos's surrender. The Winters men returned home for a time, but in March 1836 James and his two brothers re-enlisted in the Army and went on to fight in the Battle of San Jacinto. The following is James's account of that battle and the capture of Santa Anna.  Keep Reading 
Educator's Resource
The Social Studies TEKs for each grade level specifically mentions famous personalities about whom students should become familiar with in their study of Texas History. One man who is mentioned in both the 4th grade and 7th grade TEKS is General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. For good reason he should be studied in both grade levels. In fact, all periods of American, Texan and Mexican history between 1813 and 1855, must include a study of this man. A man who played a role in The Battle of Medina, The War for Mexican Independence, as well as, the Spanish invasion of Tampico in 1829; who served as Mexican president 11 times between 1833 and 1855.
 
When we focus on the Texas Revolution, students must also look closely at General Santa Anna's second-in-command, Vincente Filisola. Although he never held the office of President, this Italian born military officer played an important role in the revolution, including service at the Battle of the Alamo and commanding the withdrawal of troops after the capture of his superior officer, Santa Anna.  Keep Reading

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