Good morning, Trinity. Pour a cup of coffee and let’s talk.
Last week was an important week for the State of Texas, which celebrated its 190th birthday. Recently, the Texas Rangers also celebrated their 200th birthday. When most people think of Texas, they think of the Texas Rangers and the Alamo. Both played a pivotal role in the development of this great State.
As you know, Stephen F. Austin was the founder of the first successful settlement in Texas, which led to a flood of people moving to Texas (Tejas). As a result, in 1823, Austin organized a small group of men to protect the settlers. In 1935, the Rangers were officially sanctioned to protect the frontier. The Texas Rangers are still working today and still protecting our borders and the citizens of Texas.
As you know, I served as a Texas Ranger and pinned the Cinco Peso badge on my shirt for 11 years in the East Texas area. It was and is an honor to serve the people of Texas. The rangers are not much different today than they were in the 1800s. We just exchanged horses for pickup trucks. Still ranging and catching bad guys, while wearing the white hat.
On March 2, 1836, a bold declaration changed history forever. The revolution was primarily based on the differences of the settlers against the Mexican government, due to political and cultural differences.
As a result, Texas gained Independence from Mexico, which led to the establishment of the Republic of Texas. Significant battles include the Battle of Gonzales (Oct. 2, 1935) and the Battle of the Alamo (Feb. 23-March 6, 1836), where brave Texans fought forces led by General Lopez de Santa Anna.
On March 2, 1936, Texas declared independence and on April 21, 1836, Texans led by General Sam Houston defeated Santa Anna’s forces at the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place by present day La Porte and Deer Park, Texas. The battle lasted approximately 18 minutes, as the Texan fighters cried out “Remember the Alamo” and “Remember Goliad.”
Santa Anna’s capture led to a peace treaty, which led the Republic of Texas to become an independent nation.
As you finish your cup of coffee, take a minute to remember the Alamo as well as remember the men and women who have fought for the freedoms we have in America.
Talk to you next week, my friends. Call us if you need us.
Steven Jeter is the Trinity Chief of Police.
