The Battle of San Jacinto changed the course of Texan history forever. During the 1820-s after Mexico began to encourage settlement into the sparsely populated territory of Texas. Stephen F. Austin led a large number of new American settlers into Texas eventually settling along the Brazos River. Quickly the number of American settlers outnumbered the Mexican settlers leading to tensions in the region. The Mexican government attempted to control the inflow of Americans but to no avail. In March of 1836 Texas declared itself independent of Mexican rule.

On April 21, 1836 the eighteen minute surprise attack of Texain troops led by Sam Houston routed the Mexican army led by General Santa Anna along the San Jacinto River. This battle resulted in heavy losses on the Mexican side. More than 600 Mexican soldiers died. Over 700 Mexican soldiers were captured. The Texian army fared much better and wound up losing only 9 soldiers and 30 wounded.

In order to free him self Santa Ana signed a treaty recognizing the independence of Texas. The Battle of San Jacinto removed Mexican rule from Texas. After much negotiation Texas would vote to become a member of the United States on December 29, 1845.