February 24
February 24
Alamo defenders call for help
On February 24, 1836, in San Antonio, Texas, Colonel William Travis issues a call for help on behalf of the Texan troops defending the Alamo, an old Spanish mission and…
A Year In History: 1836
This Year in History:
1836
Discover what happened in this year with HISTORY’s summaries of major events, anniversaries, famous births and notable deaths.
March 2
March 2
Texas declares independence
During the Texas Revolution, a convention of American Texans meets at Washington‑on‑the‑Brazos and declares the independence of Texas from Mexico. The delegates chose David Burnet as provisional president and confirmed…
March 6
March 6
The Battle of the Alamo comes to an end
On March 6, 1836, after 13 days of intermittent fighting, the Battle of the Alamo comes to a gruesome end, capping off a pivotal moment in the Texas Revolution. Mexican…
March 13
March 13
Houston retreats from Santa Anna’s army
Less than a week after the disastrous defeat of Texas rebels at the Alamo, the newly commissioned Texan General Sam Houston begins a series of strategic retreats to buy time…
March 27
March 27
Mexican army executes 417 Texas revolutionaries at Goliad
In a disastrous setback for the Texans resisting Santa Anna’s regime, the Mexican army defeats and executes 417 Texas revolutionaries at Goliad. Long accustomed to enjoying considerable autonomy from their…
April 21
April 21
Texas militia routs Mexicans in the Battle of San Jacinto
During the Texan War for Independence, the Texas militia under Sam Houston launches a surprise attack against the forces of Mexican General Santa Anna along the San Jacinto River. The…
May 19
May 19
Young Cynthia Anne Parker kidnapped during Native American raid
During a raid, Comanche, Kiowa and Caddo Native Americans in Texas kidnap Cynthia Ann Parker (who was around 9 or 10 years old) and kill her family. Adopted into the Comanche tribe, she…
June 28
June 28
Former President James Madison dies
On June 28, 1836, James Madison, drafter of the Constitution, recorder of the Constitutional Convention, author of the “Federalist Papers” and fourth president of the United States, dies on his…
September 5
September 5
Sam Houston elected as president of Texas
On September 5, 1836, Sam Houston is elected as president of the Republic of Texas, which earned its independence from Mexico in a successful military rebellion. Born in Virginia in…
