The Battle of Lipantitlán: A Turning Point in the Texas Revolution
Imagine a pivotal moment in history, where the fate of an entire region hung in the balance. The Battle of Lipantitlán on November 4, 1835, was such a moment—a small skirmish that would have far-reaching consequences for both sides involved. This battle, fought between the Mexican Army and Texian insurgents along the Nueces River, marked a significant turning point in the Texas Revolution.
The Setting: Fort Lipantitlán
Fort Lipantitlán was more than just a structure; it was a symbol of control. Built in 1825 or 1826 on the grounds of an old campsite, this makeshift fort stood as a bulwark against Texian insurgents. Garrisoned with around 80-125 soldiers from the 2nd Active (Cavalry) Company of Tamaulipas, its primary purpose was to collect customs duties and provide protection for nearby San Patricio.
The Lead-Up: Federalists vs. Centralist Rule
As federalists in Mexico revolted against President Antonio López de Santa Anna’s centralist rule, Texian militias began forming to protect themselves. The Mexican army arrived in Texas on September 20, setting the stage for the battle at Lipantitlán. Historians believe that this battle contributed significantly to the eventual defeat of the Mexicans at the siege of Béxar, which expelled all Mexican troops from Texas.
The Battle: A Texian Victory
On October 31, Captain Philip Dimmitt sent an expedition to attack Fort Lipantitlán. The Mexican soldiers were instructed to harass Texian troops at Goliad but instead retreated back to their fort. They did not encounter any Texian soldiers during their march and arrived on November 1 to find the fort unmolested. Rodríguez and a majority of his garrison turned back towards Goliad, leaving only around 21-27 soldiers to defend the fort.
Westover’s men approached from an unexpected route, catching the Mexican soldiers off guard. Two San Patricio residents were arrested for aiding the enemy and offered to persuade the Mexican garrison to surrender. The Mexicans surrendered without a fight, giving up their cannons, muskets, and powder. The Texians released some prisoners and burned wooden huts before preparing to bring back the captured cannons.
The Aftermath: A Fortified Victory
When Rodríguez arrived at Goliad with news that the Texans had taken Fort Lipantitlán, he marched back towards the fort. The Mexican soldiers were repelled after 30 minutes of fighting, leaving behind 8 horses and several wounded men. J. Jones wrote to Fannin that 3 Mexicans died with 14 wounded, but historian Stephen Hardin believes 5 died with 17 wounded.
The Texians threw away their artillery due to lack of draft animals and transportation issues. The Mexican troops camped outdoors near the battle site, and one wounded soldier, Lieutenant Marcellino Garcia, died. Westover agreed to allow the wounded soldiers to be transported to San Patricio for treatment. Rodríguez retreated with his remaining men, leaving only General Cos’s group in Texas.
The Impact: A New Chapter
Westover provided an escort to Agustín Viesca, the recently deposed governor of Coahuila y Tejas, who arrived on November 12. Dimmitt welcomed Viesca but refused to recognize him as governor, causing an uproar among the garrison. Westover sent a written report to Sam Houston, praising the bravery of the officers and men who fought in the battle and won recognition for themselves and their country.
News of the battle spread throughout the United States, praising the Texians. The removal of Mexican army oversight led to federalists gaining control of San Patricio, but division remained. Rodríguez warned town leaders that the Mexican army would return and encouraged repudiation of rebellion. The Texians chose not to garrison men in or near San Patricio.
On February 27, 1836, Mexican forces retook San Patricio. In 1937, land donated by a private donor became part of the Texas State Parks Board in 1949. OCLC 1207100.
Roell, Craig H. (1994). Remember Goliad! A History of La Bahia. Fred Rider Cotten Popular History Series. Austin, TX: Texas State Historical Association. ISBN 0-87611-141-X. OCLC 30667624.
Todish, Timothy J.; Todish, Terry; Spring, Ted (1998). Alamo Sourcebook, 1836: A Comprehensive Guide to the Battle of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution. Austin, TX: Eakin Press. ISBN 978-1-57168-152-2.
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This page is based on the article Battle of Lipantitlán published in Wikipedia (retrieved on November 28, 2024) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
