On this day 190 years ago, the state of Texas’ identity changed for ever.
While Texas Independence Day commemorates the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico, the Texas Revolution lasted for another several weeks. It all came to a head at the Battle of San Jacinto, which shifted the course of Texas history.
Here’s what happened at the Battle of San Jacinto and why Texans celebrate it today.
When is San Jacinto Day 2026? Is San Jacinto Day a state holiday?
San Jacinto Day is always celebrated on April 21, which falls on a Tuesday this year. It’s also an official state holiday in Texas.
What is San Jacinto Day? Why was the Battle of San Jacinto significant?
The Texas holiday commemorates the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, in which Gen. Sam Houston claimed victory over Gen. Antonio López de Santa Anna. This was the final battle in the Texas Revolution that secured the state’s independence. David G. Burnet became the interim president of the Republic of Texas, and its other presidents were Sam Houston, Mirabeau B. Lamar and Anson Jones.
A painting depicting Sam Houston at Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836 near present-day La Porte. (Ed Vebell/Getty Images)
The Battle of San Jacinto unfolded in present-day Harris County along the San Jacinto River, southwest of Houston. It was exceptionally short — around 18 minutes — and ended with 630 Mexican soldiers dead and 730 captured. Texans only lost nine, with around 30 wounded. Santa Anna was captured the day after the decisive battle.
The Republic of Texas remained for nearly a decade before the Lone Star State joined the U.S. in 1846.
The battleground is now a state historic site near La Porte, which is also home to the San Jacinto Museum and Battlefield.