Battles & Skirmishes in Texas:
An Overview of Key Historical Conflicts
Explore the rich history of Texas through its significant battles and skirmishes. From the pivotal clashes of the Texas Revolution to the critical engagements of the American Civil War, Texas has been a battleground for independence and statehood. Discover detailed accounts of famous battles such as the Battle of Gonzales, the Siege of Béxar, the Alamo, and the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. Learn about the struggles during the Republic of Texas and the Confederate defenses during the Civil War, including the Battle of Galveston and the last stand at Palmito Ranch.
Texas Revolution
(1835-1836)
Battle of Gonzales
(October 2, 1835)
The first battle of the Texas Revolution, where Texian settlers resisted Mexican troops’ attempt to seize a cannon, symbolized by the “Come and Take It” flag.
Siege of Béxar
(October 12 – December 11, 1835)
A protracted siege where Texian forces surrounded and eventually captured San Antonio de Béxar from Mexican forces, leading to the surrender of General Cos.
Battle of Concepción
(October 28, 1835)
Texian forces under James Bowie and James Fannin defeated a Mexican force near Mission Concepción, marking a significant victory for the Texians.
Battle of Lipantitlán
(November 4, 1835)
Texian forces defeated a Mexican garrison near Corpus Christi, further weakening Mexican control in Texas.
Grass Fight
(November 26, 1835)
A skirmish near San Antonio where Texian forces intercepted a Mexican supply convoy, mistakenly believed to carry silver, but found to contain grass for horses.
Battle of the Alamo
(February 23 – March 6, 1836)
A pivotal battle where a small group of Texian defenders were besieged and ultimately overwhelmed by the Mexican Army under General Santa Anna at the Alamo mission in San Antonio.
Battle of Refugio
(March 12-15, 1836)
Texian forces, led by Amon B. King and William Ward, were defeated by Mexican troops, resulting in significant Texian casualties and captures.
Battle of Coleto Creek
(March 19-20, 1836)
Texian forces led by James Fannin were surrounded and forced to surrender to Mexican troops. This surrender led to the subsequent Goliad Massacre.
Battle of San Jacinto
(April 21, 1836)
The decisive battle of the Texas Revolution where Texian forces led by General Sam Houston defeated and captured Santa Anna, securing Texas independence.
Republic of Texas
(1836-1845)
Battle of the Brazos River
(April 17-18, 1837)
A naval engagement between the Texas Navy and Mexican naval forces. The Texian schooner Independence was captured by the Mexican brigantine Vencedor del Álamo.
Second Battle of Lipantitlán
(June 7, 1840)
Texian forces engaged a group of Lipan Apache and Mexican soldiers near the old Lipantitlán fort, resulting in a Texian victory.
Battle of Plum Creek
(August 12, 1840)
Fought near present-day Lockhart, Texas, this battle saw Texian volunteers and allied Tonkawa and Lipan Apache warriors defeat a large Comanche war party following the Great Raid of 1840.
Battle of Salado Creek
(September 17, 1842)
Texian forces under Captain Mathew Caldwell repelled Mexican troops commanded by General Adrián Woll near San Antonio. This battle was part of the ongoing conflicts between the Republic of Texas and Mexico.
Dawson Massacre
(September 18, 1842)
A skirmish near San Antonio where a group of Texian volunteers under Captain Nicholas Dawson was ambushed and defeated by Mexican forces. This event occurred shortly after the Battle of Salado Creek.
Mier Expedition
(December 25-26, 1842)
While not a traditional battle, this significant conflict involved Texian militia engaging Mexican troops at the town of Mier. The Texians were ultimately captured, leading to the infamous “Black Bean Episode” where one in ten captured Texians were executed.
Battle of Walker Creek
(June 2, 1844)
Captain John Coffee Hays and the Texas Rangers defeated a Comanche war party, showcasing the effective use of Colt revolvers.
Civil War
(1861-1865)
Battle of Galveston
(January 1, 1863)
Confederate forces recaptured the key port city of Galveston from Union forces, ensuring it remained under Confederate control for the rest of the war.
First Battle of Sabine Pass
(September 24-25, 1862)
An earlier engagement where Union forces attempted to capture Fort Griffin and gain control of the Sabine River but were repelled by Confederate forces.
Second Battle of Sabine Pass
(September 8, 1863)
A significant battle where a small Confederate force successfully repelled a much larger Union invasion fleet attempting to penetrate the Sabine River in East Texas.
Battle of Brownsville
(November 2-6, 1863)
Union forces captured Brownsville, a key location for Confederate trade with Mexico, but it was later recaptured by Confederate forces in July 1864.
Battle of Laredo
(March 19, 1864)
Confederate forces successfully defended Laredo, a key supply point on the Rio Grande, from Union troops attempting to disrupt the Confederate cotton trade with Mexico.
Battle of Dove Creek
(January 8, 1865)
A battle between Confederate forces and Kickapoo Native Americans near present-day San Angelo. The Kickapoo were victorious and continued their migration into Mexico.
Battle of Palmito Ranch
(May 12-13, 1865)
Considered the last land battle of the American Civil War, fought near Brownsville, Texas. Despite occurring after General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, Confederate forces won the battle.
Battles & Skirmishes in Texas:
An Overview of Key Historical Conflicts
Explore the rich history of Texas through its significant battles and skirmishes. From the pivotal clashes of the Texas Revolution to the critical engagements of the American Civil War, Texas has been a battleground for independence and statehood. Discover detailed accounts of famous battles such as the Battle of Gonzales, the Siege of Béxar, the Alamo, and the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. Learn about the struggles during the Republic of Texas and the Confederate defenses during the Civil War, including the Battle of Galveston and the last stand at Palmito Ranch.
Texas Revolution (1835-1836)
Republic of Texas (1836-1845)
Mexican-American War (1846-1848)
Battle of Palo Alto
(May 8, 1846)
United States forces, led by General Zachary Taylor, defeated Mexican troops commanded by General Mariano Arista near Brownsville, Texas. This battle marked the first major engagement of the Mexican-American War, setting the stage for a series of conflicts that would ultimately reshape North America.