James Walker Fannin, Jr.
Sam
Houston described James Fannin as an “ill-fated man.” Born in 1804, the
Georgian attended West Point but dropped out. In 1834, Fannin immigrated to
Texas. While he acted the plantation owner, he was actually a slave trader. In
1835, Fannin fought at the battle of Concepción. In 1836, he commanded the
Goliad garrison. Completely outgeneraled by Mexican commander José Urrea, he
ordered a retreat—but too late. Urrea defeated Fannin at the battle of Coleto
Creek and took the Texan prisoners back to Goliad. There, on March 27, Mexican
soldiers executed Fannin and most of his command.
Samuel Houston
Sam
Houston possessed a keen sense of history—and his place in it. Teenage
rebellion and a later bout with heartbreak led Sam Houston to twice leave
American society and seek refuge in Cherokee communities. Living in Nacogdoches
at the outbreak of revolution, Houston’s reputation as congressman and governor
of Tennessee, and participation in the War of 1812 singled him out for
leadership. In November 1835 Houston was
named major general of the Texas army, and would lead the charge against Santa
Anna and the Mexican army at San Jacinto — the final battle of the Texas
Revolution. As first president of the
Republic of Texas, Houston worked to ensure its recognition by the U.S. and
eventual annexation.