#3 Davey Crockett
David "Davy" Crockett was a frontiersman, politician and folk hero from Tennessee who
joined Texas forces in 1836 and was killed in battle at the Alamo. Crockett was raised in
eastern Tennessee and served in the Creek War (1813-14) under Andrew Jackson. A
charismatic and well-known figure in Tennessee, he served two terms in the state
legislature (1821-24) and three terms in the United States House of Representatives
(1827-29, 1829-31 and 1833-35). Crockett was known as an expert shot, with his rifle
named “Betsy” and a humble and witty orator, he became a national celebrity. In 1836
he joined those fighting for expansion in Texas, but shortly after his arrival he was
among those caught and killed at the Alamo by Mexican forces led by Santa Ana. His
"martyrdom" at the Alamo made him a folk hero, especially in Texas, stories of his
heroism spread far and wide. In the 1950s Walt Disney resurrected his fame in a series
of episodes for television (later made into feature films), sparking a popular craze that
included coonskin caps and a hit song, "The Ballad of Davy Crockett."
Answer the questions in complete sentences.
1) Who was Davey Crockett?
2) Examine the painting, what event do you think is being portrayed?
3) What two groups are fighting in the painting?
4) Who brought about resurgence in Crockett’s popularity?
#4 Santa Anna’s Leg
Mexican
general
Antonio
Lopez de
Santa Anna
became a
villain in
America
when he
ordered his
troops to kill
Davy
Crockett and
everyone
else inside
the Alamo.
He was a
general in the Mexican Army and leader of the nation on 11 non-consecutive occasions
over a period of 22 years. The average person probably didn't know that the general
had a fake leg though.
Santa Anna's real leg was amputated after he was hit by cannon fire during a melee
with the French in 1838 (the leg was interred with full military honors). In 1847, his
artificial leg was captured by soldiers of the 4th Illinois Infantry. Santa Anna was eating
lunch during a battle with the United States when the Americans surprised him, and he
galloped off without his leg. The sergeant who grabbed the wooden (and cork) leg
exhibited it at county fairs for a dime a peek, but since 1922
it's been in the care of Illinois National Guard.
Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1) Who was Santa Anna?
2) How many times was Santa Anna leader of Mexico?
3) How did he lose his leg?
4) How did American soldiers end up with his leg?
#1 The Texian Volunteer
Many Texians did not have uniforms.
They instead wore hunting clothing that
would hold up in outdoor conditions.
The frock (another word for coat) was
made of either buckskin or linen. The
cape on the frock was designed for
extra warmth. The fringe at the bottom
of the cape and along the sleeves was
not just a decoration – it helped the
garment dry faster. A linen shirt,
buckskin or linen pants, and moccasins
completed the outfit. A fur cap
sometimes replaced the broad brimmed
felt hat in cold weather.
This Texian is armed with a single-shot
flintlock rifle. Although it had a range of
twice as far as the standard military
musket, the rifle took much longer to
load and fire. Unlike the musket, the rifle
did not have a bayonet. Frontiersmen
carried long knives to make up for this
drawback. A hollowed out horn from a
cow or a buffalo, slung over the
shoulder, carried gunpowder. A leather
pouch was also carried over the
shoulder and contained lead bullets, patches, and spare flints.
The Texian Army at the beginning of the revolution was made up mainly of colonists who had
already settled in Texas. Gradually, however, volunteers from the United States arrived who
wanted to help win Texas’ independence. Many Tejanos (Texas-born Mexicans) also fought
against the government of General Antonio López de Santa Anna.
Answer the following questions in complete sentences
1). Define the word “Texian.”
2). What was the relationship between Texian colonists and their environment?
3). Why were people in the United States interested in events in Texas?
4). Why did the Texians want their independence from Mexico?
#2 William Travis
William Travis, commander of the Alamo, was from South Carolina. He had left his wife, son
and unborn daughter and moved to Texas to start a new life. He arrived in 1831 and
established a law practice in Anahuac on Galveston Bay. In the course of practicing law in
Texas, Travis met men associated with the war party, a group of militants opposing the
Mexican government. With time he accepted a commission of lieutenant colonel of cavalry.
rd
After General Santa Anna’s arrival in San Antonio on February 23 Travis penned letters to
the provisional government of Texas explaining their situation and requesting
reinforcements. He was one of the 1st deaths at the Alamo. Below is one of the most
famous.
To The People of Texas and All Americans In The World -February 24, 1836
Fellow citizens & compatriots -I am beseiged, by a thousand or more of the Mexicans under Santa Anna -- I have sustained a continual
Bombardment & cannonade for 24 hours & have not lost a man -- The enemy has demanded a surrender
at discretion, otherwise, the garrison are to be put to the sword, if the fort is taken -- I have answered the
demand with a cannon shot, & our flag still waves proudly from the walls -- I shall never surrender or
retreat. Then, I call on you in the name of Liberty, of patriotism, & every thing dear to the American
character, to come to our aid, with all dispatch -- The enemy is receiving reinforcements daily & will no
doubt increase to three or four thousand in four or five days. If this call is neglected, I am determined to
sustain myself as long as possible & die like a soldier who never forgets what is due to his own honor &
that of his country -VICTORY OR DEATH
William Barret Travis
Lt. Col. Comdt.
P.S. The Lord is on our side -- When the enemy appeared in sight we had not three bushels of corn -- We
have since found in deserted houses 80 or 90 bushels & got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves -Travis
Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1) Who was William Travis?
2) What did he do for a living before the war?
3) What is the purpose of Travis’ letter?
4) Who was Travis asking for help?
#5 Map of Texas Revolution
Answer the following questions in complete sentences.
1) Name the 3 Texan victories.
2) How far did Santa Anna march his troops to reach San Jacinto?
3) Name the 3 Mexican Victories.
4) What direction did the Mexican forces march to reach Texas?