The battles of the Texas Revolution began long before the famous Battle of Gonzales in 1835. There were many battles and acts of rebellion that led up to the Texas Revolution. In 1826, an incident between the Edwards brothers, empresarios near Nacogdoches, and the Mexican government occurred. This is known as the Fredonian Rebellion.

Source: Fredonian Rebellion Flag of 1826, Glasshouse, Wikimedia

The Edwards brothers had been accused of politically corrupt activity in Nacogdoches. Unhappy that Mexican officials for not issuing land titles for their grants near Nacogdoches, Benjamin Edwards, along with Cherokee-Indian leaders, created the Fredonian Republic and claimed the area free from Mexican control.

Edwards led a small group of men into Nacogdoches on December 16, 1826. The men waved a flag, pictured above, and declared independence. The group took over the Old Stone fort for a month. With Mexican troops on the way, the rebels gave up. This incident strengthened the Mexican government’s fears that Anglo-American settlers might try to take over Texas.

The map below illustrates the battles of the Texas Revolution. Click on the star for each battle to learn more.

Source: Surrender of Santa Anna, William Huddle, Texas State Library and Archives commission

As part of his surrender, General Santa Anna ordered all Mexican troops out of Texas. On May 14, 1836, the Treaty of Velasco was signed by both Texas President David G. Burnet and President Santa Anna of Mexico. The treaty ended the war, and Texas was free and independent.