On April 21, 1836, Texian forces under General Sam Houston defeated Mexican troops at the Battle of San Jacinto in present-day Texas. The battle lasted less than 20 minutes but had huge consequences. Texian soldiers surprised the Mexican camp and routed the defenders. Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna was captured shortly afterward. The victory effectively secured Texas independence from Mexico. San Jacinto is still celebrated in Texas as a key moment in the region’s history.
