In the year 1806, Juan Seguín was born in San Antonio. Seguín would go on to achieve great heights in his political career. Notably, he became the only Mexican Texan to serve in the Senate of the Texas Republic. Seguín later served as the mayor of San Antonio, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s governance.
Moving forward to 1817, a significant event took place in Venadito, Mexico. Francisco Xavier Mina, alongside his men, suffered defeat and were captured. Mina’s mission was to force the troops of Spanish king Ferdinand VII out of Mexico. However, his efforts were in vain as he was eventually captured and executed.
Jumping ahead to 1877, the Elissa was launched on this day. Acquired by the Galveston Historical Foundation in 1974, the Elissa became a restoration project. Offering insights into maritime history, this vessel remains a testament to Texas’ rich past.
1891 witnessed the chartering of the Pan American Railway by a group of Boston investors. Their ambitious plan aimed to connect Victoria, TX, with Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, destiny had other plans as the track was eventually abandoned. Regrettably, no regular trains ever operated on the Pan American Railway.
As we reflect on these historical events, an interesting quote from Mexican Colonel Pedro Delgado comes to mind. Delgado’s words shed light on the Battle of San Jacinto, which took place on April 21, 1836. “No important incident took place until 4:30 p.m. At this fatal moment, the bugler on our right signaled the advance of the enemy upon that wing,” remarked Delgado, encapsulating the intensity and gravity of the battle.