Texian Militia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Texian Militia |
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| Active | 5 Aug 1823 – 2 Oct 1835 |
| Allegiance | First Mexican Empire, 1823 Provisional Government, 1823–1824 First Mexican Republic, 1824–1835 Texian Government, 1835 |
| Type | Militia |
| Role | Land warfare |
| Size | ~300 at peak |
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| Engagements | Guerilla Conflicts
Insurrection Texas Revolution
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The Texian Militia was a group of citizen soldiers in the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. These soldiers were Texian colonists. They served from 1823 to 1835. This group was the very first part of the Texas Military.
Stephen F. Austin started the Texian Militia on August 5, 1823. Its main job was to protect the early settlers, known as the Old Three Hundred. They needed protection from Native American tribes like the Karankawa, Comanche, and Cherokee. A famous part of the Texian Militia, the Texas Rangers, continued to serve until 1935.
The Texian Militia played a big role in starting the Texas Revolution. This happened at the Battle of Velasco. They became famous at the Battle of Gonzales, often called the "Lexington of Texas." After these battles, the militia changed into the Texian Army and Texian Navy. Their brave story continued at the Battle of the Alamo. They were the only group to answer the call for help from the Alamo. Texian Militia members made up 22% of the Texian Army soldiers. They fought until the Battle of San Jacinto. This helped the Texian Government win independence from Mexico on May 14, 1836. This independence was made official with the Treaties of Velasco.
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How the Texian Militia Was Formed
The Texian Militia was first approved on February 18, 1823. Agustín de Iturbide, the ruler of the First Mexican Empire, gave the order. He told Empresario Stephen F. Austin to "organize the colonists into a body of militia to preserve tranquility." This meant to create a group of citizen soldiers to keep the peace.
On August 5, 1823, Stephen F. Austin officially started the Texian Militia. He announced that he would pay for ten extra men to join a company of rangers. These rangers would help protect the colony from Native American groups. Austin said he would risk his own health, money, and life for the safety of the settlers.
In 1823, the First Mexican Empire changed to the Provisional Government of Mexico. This government then created the First Mexican Republic in 1824. By 1828, the government of Coahuila y Tejas also told colonists to "form a militia to defend themselves." This showed that the idea of citizen soldiers was important for protection.
Texian Militia Units
The Texian Militia was made up of different groups from various settlements. These groups helped protect their local areas.
- Bexar
- Goliad
- Rangers
- San Felipe
Important Battles and Fights
The Texian Militia took part in many important battles and conflicts. These fights helped shape the history of Texas.
Early Conflicts with Native American Tribes
The militia often fought against Native American groups to protect the settlers.
- In 1823, they had a conflict with the Coco (Karankawa) people.
- In 1824, they fought in the Battle of Jones Creek against the Coco.
- In 1826, they had another conflict with the Coco.
Fighting for Independence
The Texian Militia also played a key role in the fight for Texas independence from Mexico.
- Fredonian Rebellion (1826): This was an early uprising where the militia helped put down a rebellion led by Haden Edwards and Benjamin Edwards.
- Battle of Anahuac (1832): The militia fought against Mexican forces led by Juan Davis Bradburn. They won this battle.
- Battle of Velasco (1832): This was a major fight where the militia, led by John Austin, defeated Mexican troops.
- Battle of Nacogdoches (1832): Led by James Bowie, the militia won another victory against Mexican forces.
- Anahuac 1835: William B. Travis led the militia in another victory at Anahuac.
- Battle of Gonzales (1835): This battle is famous for the "Come and take it" flag. The militia, led by John H. Moore, successfully defended their cannon.
- Siege of the Alamo (1836): The Immortal 32 were a group from the militia who bravely went to help the defenders at the Alamo. They all died fighting.
The Texian Militia's Lasting Impact
Since 1823, the Texian Militia has changed names and been reorganized many times. It is now part of the Texas Military Forces.
Here are some of its different names over the years:
- Texian Militia, 1823–1835 (during the time of colonists)
- Texian Militia, 1835–1836 (during the Texas Revolution)
- Texas Militia, 1836–1845 (during the Republic era)
- Texas Militia, 1845–1861 (during the Frontier era)
- Texas Home Guard/State Troops, 1861–65 (during the American Civil War)
- Texas Volunteer Guard, 1871–1904 (during the Reconstruction era)
After a law called the Militia Act of 1903, the Texas Militia was split into two separate groups:
- The Texas Army National Guard and Texas Air National Guard. These groups can be called upon by the United States government for national emergencies or war.
- The Texas State Guard. This group is controlled only by the state of Texas. It helps with state-level emergencies and defense.
Since 1903, the Texas National Guard has kept its name. The Texas State Guard has had a few different names:
- Texas Reserve Militia, 1905–1913
- Texas Home Guard, 1914–1918 (during World War I)
- Texas Reserve Militia, 1919–1940
- Texas Defense/State Guard, 1941–45 (during World War II)
- Texas State Guard Reserve Corps, 1945–1965
- Texas State Guard, 1965–present
