Paul Revere of Texas facts for kids
The "Paul Revere of Texas" is a special nickname given to brave people during the Texas Revolution. These heroes rode fast to warn settlers about the Mexican army moving towards them. The name comes from Paul Revere, an American hero who did something similar in 1775, warning colonists about British troops.
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Texas's Paul Reveres: Warning Riders
During the exciting and dangerous times of the Texas Revolution, several people became known as the "Paul Revere of Texas." They played a super important role by riding quickly to spread news about where the Mexican army was going. This helped settlers and soldiers prepare for battles or get to safety.
Plácido Benavides (1810–1837) was an early settler who was born in Mexico. He was a very brave person during the Texas Revolution.
In March 1836, Benavides was near San Patricio when the Battle of Agua Dulce happened. He managed to escape from the battle. After escaping, he rode quickly to Goliad. His mission was to warn James Fannin, a Texas commander, that the Mexican army, led by General José de Urrea, was coming.
Fannin sent Benavides back home to Victoria. As Benavides rode through different towns on his way from San Patricio to Goliad and then to Victoria, he warned everyone he met. This gave many people time to prepare. Sadly, Fannin and his men were later captured and executed at the Goliad massacre.
Mathew Caldwell: The Gonzales Alarm
Mathew Caldwell (1798–1842) was another early settler and a military leader. He was also one of the people who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence.
Caldwell earned his nickname for a very important ride he made in 1835. He rode from Gonzales to Bastrop. His ride was a call to arms, telling people to get ready for the Battle of Gonzales. This battle was one of the very first fights of the Texas Revolution.
John Marie Durst: The Long Ride to Nacogdoches
John Marie Durst (1797–1851) was an early settler and also a military figure. He was known for his long and tiring ride to warn Texans.
In 1835, Durst was at a meeting of the government in Monclova, which was part of Coahuila y Tejas at the time. There, he found out that the Mexican army, led by Antonio López de Santa Anna, was moving north.
Durst immediately got on his horse. For the next twelve and a half days, he rode hundreds of miles. He warned settlers all along his path about the coming Mexican army. His long ride ended in Nacogdoches, Texas.
Blas María Herrera: The Alamo's Early Warning
Blas María Herrera (1802–1878) was a soldier born in San Antonio. He served under Juan Seguín, another important figure in the Texas Revolution.
In February 1836, Herrera was given direct orders from Seguín to stand watch in Laredo. He was looking out for any signs of Mexican troops. He spotted General Santa Anna and the first group of Mexican soldiers crossing the Rio Grande.
Herrera rode all night without stopping to deliver his urgent report to Seguín in San Antonio. While American volunteers decided to stay and defend the Alamo, Herrera's quick warning allowed many civilian families in the area to leave and get to safety before the battle began.
