Battle of Nacogdoches facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Nacogdoches |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 Mexico |
Texian Militia | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Col.José de las Piedras Capt.Francisco Medina |
James W. Bullock James Bowie |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 387 | 350 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 47 killed, 40 wounded & 300 captured | 4 killed, 3 wounded | ||||||
The Battle of Nacogdoches was an important fight that happened on August 2, 1832. It started when a group of Texans, called Texians, refused to give up their weapons. The Mexican army commander in Nacogdoches, Texas had ordered them to surrender their guns. This disagreement quickly grew into a big battle.
Why Did the Battle Happen?
Many communities in Texas supported a group in Mexico called the federalists. These federalists were fighting against the central government. The Texians thought they had found a strong leader in Antonio López de Santa Anna. He had spoken out against the central government in 1832.
The Mexican army commander in Nacogdoches was named José de las Piedras. He had seen some problems happen in another area, called the Anahuac disturbances. Because of this, he ordered everyone in his area to give up their weapons. A famous Texan, James Bowie, heard about this. He quickly returned to Texas in July 1832. The leaders of Nacogdoches did not want to give up their arms. They soon started to organize their own group of fighters.
Texans Prepare for Battle
On July 28, the Nacogdoches leaders asked for help from nearby towns. They sent messages asking for military support. People from different areas came to help. Samuel S. Davis and Bailey Anderson, Jr. brought men from the Ayish Bayou area. John M. Bradley brought fighters from San Augustine. James Bradshaw led a group from the Neches settlement. Other groups also came from the Sabine and Shelby settlements.
On August 1, about 300 fighters met at Pine Hill. They chose James W. Bullock as their captain. He was from Attoyac Bayou.
The Fight Begins
On the morning of August 2, 1832, James Bowie joined the Texian Militia. They marched into Nacogdoches. Their goal was to tell Commander Piedras their demands. They also wanted him to support Santa Anna. Piedras refused to change his order. He also would not support Santa Anna.
The Texian group returned in the evening. Before they reached the building where city officials were, Mexican cavalry attacked them. About 100 Mexican soldiers on horseback started the fight. The Texians fired back, but some had to fall back. The fighting continued, and the cavalry eventually retreated.
About 100 Texians then began to surround the Mexican army's fort. The fighting moved from house to house. The Texians took control of several buildings, including the Old Stone Fort. The Mexican army was losing many soldiers. They took shelter in their main fort. Another group of Texians attacked from the north. They drove the Mexican cavalry from their headquarters, known as the Old Red House. More Texians from San Augustine arrived from the rear. During the night, the Mexican army left the city.
After the Battle
On August 3, James Carter, James Bowie, and 15 other companions set up a surprise attack. They ambushed the fleeing Mexican army near the Angelina River. Commander Piedras ran to a nearby home. His own men then turned against him. Captain Francisco Medina took charge of the Mexican troops. Medina said he supported the federalists. He then surrendered Piedras and 300 Mexican soldiers to the Texians.
Piedras's army had lost about 47 men killed. More than 40 were wounded. The Texians marched the captured soldiers back to Nacogdoches. From there, they went to San Antonio, where they were released. Asa Edwards took Piedras to Stephen F. Austin in San Felipe. Piedras was later set free and sent back to Mexico. The Texians had fewer losses. They had 3 men killed and 4 wounded, with one of the wounded later dying.
