The Texas Army was first organized in 1835 to win independence for the colonist in the Mexican province of Texas. That army was made up of volunteers, from both Texas, the United States and a few foreign countries. They had no uniforms and were provided with few weapons and other military gear. Most were dressed in buckskins and brought their personal weapons. Although some of the Texans had seen action fighting Indians along the frontier, most were men without formal military training and discipline. General Sam Houston was appointed commander of this unique army.
El Presidente Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna of Mexico personally led the trained Mexican forces into Texas to drive the rebels out and offered no quarter to anyone who resisted, or carried a weapon. Outnumbered, out weaponed and out trained, General Sam Houston began a retreat towards the United States border at Louisiana after news arrived of the fate of the Alamo. Over confident, General Santa Anna lead an advance force ahead of his main force in an effort to capture the fleeing Texas Provisional Government. Sam Houston saw a unique opportunity and trapped Santa Anna at San Jacinto. In a surprise 18 minute battle, the Texans routed the Mexicans and Texas won her independence.
One hundred and thirty three years later, on April 21, 1969, a new Texas Army was formed to honor its predecessor and to keep the memory alive of those gallant men. Two months later, then Governor Preston Smith officially reactivated the Texas army for ceremonial purposes. Each member of the Texas Army is commissioned as a “Colonel” by the Governor of the State of Texas. The Texas Army participates as the special honor guard in the Governorial Inauguaration Parade. In addition, they host state functions, official ceremonial events, re-enact events of 1835 and 1836, and travel internationally representing Texas and the Texas Mystique.
Like the original army, the modern day Texas Army is made up of volunteers who provide their own authentic “uniforms,” weapons and camp equipage. Members of the Texas Army come from all walks of life, bound together by a love of history. The Texas Army is dedicated to the purposes of perpetuating the memory of those early Texas patriots who worked and fought as the first army of the Republic of Texas. The Texas Army is dedicated to educating the public about Texas History.