The Texas Road to Revolution
A project created by Mrs. Ballard's 4th grade ASPIRE class
Biographies of Significant Mexicans, Texians, and Tejanos
Timeline of the 13 day siege at the Alamo
Texas Tunes- Songs about the Texas Revolution
Take the Chance (adapted from Taylor Swift's Blank Space)
Nice to meet you, where you been?
I have seen such incredible things
Crazy, traitor, Texas, death
Saw you’d gone and I thought
Oh my gosh, you had died
You made me start to cry
War’s an act, wanna fight?
It has been a long time
Since you’ve sent any word to me
Ain't it funny, rumors fly
And most are from the spies
So hey, let's go fight
I’m dying for this to end
Grab your gun and ammunition
I can make the Mexicans die for our freedom
So it's gonna be forever
Or it's gonna go down in flames
You can tell me when it's over
If freedom was worth the pain
Got a long list of enemies
They'll tell you we are wrong
'Cause you know I fight for freedom
And we won’t step down
'Cause we're brave and we're fighting
We'll make this war worth it
It'll leave you lifeless
Or with a nasty gash
Got a long list of enemies
They'll tell you we are wrong
But I've got a war to fight
And I'll take the chance
Bloody lips, sunset skies
I have seen such incredible things
Stolen cannons, spying lies
When we fight, baby, I'm your King
Find out 'bout our freedom
Beat that war for independence
Wait, the worst is yet to come, oh no
Screaming, crying, knives and guns
I can give us some land freedom
White mission filled with wars
Keep you second guessing like
"Is he gonna die or not"
I go mad from "El Deguello"
But you'll come back each time you leave
'Cause, darling, It's a nightmare dressed like a victory
So it's gonna be forever
Or it's gonna go down in flames
You can tell me when it's over
If freedom was worth the pain
Got a long list of enemies
They'll tell you we are wrong
'Cause you know I fight for freedom
And we won’t step down
'Cause we're brave and we're fighting
We'll make this war worth it
It'll leave you lifeless
Or with a nasty gash
Got a long list of enemies
They'll tell you we are wrong
But I've got a war to fight
And I'll take the chance
Santa only wants war if we can't go
Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya
Santa only wants war if we can't go
Don't say I didn't say, I didn't warn ya
So it's gonna be forever
Or it's gonna go down in flames
You can tell me when it's over
If freedom was worth the pain
Got a long list of enemies
They'll tell you we are wrong
'Cause you know I fight for freedom
And we won’t step down
Cause we're brave and we're fighting
We'll make this war worth it
It'll leave you lifeless
Or with a nasty gash
Got a long list of enemies
They'll tell you we are wrong
But I've got a war to fight
And I'll take the chanceThe Story of the War (adapted from Story of My Life by New Direction)
Cruel sung to Santa Anna (Adopted from Mean by Taylor Swift)
You, with your words like knives
And swords and weapons that you use against us,
You, have knocked us off our feet again,
Got us feeling like we’re nothing.
You, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard
Calling me out when I’m sad and down.
You, pickin’ on the wounded ones.
Well you can’t take us down,
With just one single blow.
But you don’t know, what you don’t know,
Someday, We’ll be living in a big new country,
And all you’re ever gonna be is cruel.
Someday, Texas will be strong enough so you can’t hurt me,
And all you’re ever gonna be is cruel.
Why you gotta be so cruel?
You, with your switching sides,
And your wildfire lies and your humiliation
You, have pointed out our flaws again,
As if we don’t already see them.
I walk with my head down,
Trying to block you out cause I’ll never impress you
I just wanna be free again.
I bet you got pushed around,
Somebody made you cold,
But the cycle ends right now,
You can’t lead me down that road,
You don’t know, what you don’t know
Someday, We’ll be, living in a big new country,
And all you’re ever gonna be is cruel.
Someday, Texas will be strong enough so you can’t hurt me,
And all you’re ever gonna be is cruel.
Why you gotta be so cruel?
And I can see you years from now in a war,
Taking over innocent land,
With that same big loud opinion but,
Nobody’s listening,
Washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things,
Loud and roudly complaining that we are free
But all you are is cruel,
All you are is cruel.
And a liar, and cheater, and alone in life,
And cruel, and cruel, just cruel,
But someday, We’ll be, living in a big new country,
And all you’re ever gonna be is cruel. Yeah,
Someday, Texas will be big enough so you can’t hurt me,
And all you’re ever gonna be is cruel.
Why you gotta be so?
Someday, I’ll be, living in a big new country,
And all you’re ever gonna be is cruel. Yeah,
Someday, Texas will be big enough so you can’t hurt me,
And all you’re ever gonna be is cruel.
Why you gotta be so cruel?
Fighting (Adapted from Happy by Pharell Williams)
it might seem crazy what I’m bout to say
santa anna is here you can’t take a break
gotta defend the alamo today
its not like i don’t care people by the way
CHORUS
Because I'm fighting
fight along if you feel like independance is deserved
because I'm fighting
fight along if you feel like independance is the truth
(because I'm fighting)
fight along if you know what the Alamo is to us!
fight along if you feel like independance is the truth
here comes bad news from the messengers
give them all you got don’t hold your angers
well i should probably warn you that Santa Annas a crime
go back to Mexico don’t waste your time
CHORUS
fighting fighting fighting
bring us down
they’re comin to
bring us down’
the armys to large
fighting fighting fighting
fighting fighting fighting
fighting fighting fighting
bring us down
they’re comin to
bring us down’
the armys to large
fighting fighting fighting
fighting fighting fighting
i said
CHORUSx2
fighting fighting fighting
bring us down
they’re comin to
bring us down’
the armys to large
fighting fighting fighting
fighting fighting fighting
CHORUS
bring us down
they’re comin to
bring us down
the armys to large
fighting fighting fighting
fighting fighting fighting
CHORUS
Texas texts
Angelina Dickinson
A girl who survived the Alamo
Was given a riNg made from cats eye stone.
The ring was Given to her by Commander Travis.
This ring became a prized possEssion in Angelina’s life.
EventuaLly, she gave the ring to a friend that fought in the Civil War.
Later, this ring was passed down In his family.
It was finally doNated to the Alamo museum.
Now it is on displAy right at the spot where Travis died.
Angelina was the Daughter of Susannah and Almeron Dickinson.
Santa Anna wanted to adopt her, but Susannah dId not agree.
Angelina was Called the “Babe of the Alamo”.
Angelina DicKinson was born on December 14, 1834.
After the Alamo, AngelIna and her mom were sent as messengers.
They were sent to tell Sam HoustoN that everyone had died.
Angelina was remembered throughout history for Surviving the Alamo.
She was One of the most important women in Texas.
Angelina died iN 1869.
The Alamo
The Alamo, the Alamo, many died so, many lived.
The flag saying "Come and take it" waved proudly in the air,
on the little 6-pounder cannon.
They fought, they died, they lived, they saved, all for Texas's independence.
An Alamo Diary of Cassy Crenol
March 10,1836
Papa said that that he will have to fight in the battle, today I cried when ever I saw Papa. Before he left I had a painful long sob in his arms. He said not to worry about him, but all I could do was worry. Out of all the men why does Papa have to go. I wish there was no such thing as battle.
March 16 ,1836
I am scared, I don't want war, I don't want all of this to happen. Why can't it just be like it used to be? Why can't old Santa Anna and Travis just cooperate? Why? WHY !? Why? Mama says I shouldn't be worried about all of this stuff and live a life like a normal girl. Other people are also getting scared, I HATE BATTLE. It makes me want to cry. Today I forgot to feed the mules and one ran away, now we only have two more left.
March 17, 1836
Hope has drowned out of me, now hope is equal to hatred. Today is the worst day. Gen. Santa Anna’s men are killing every man on the battlefield we have. We got word that Gen. Anna is going to get his way in battle. I know that we will lose and Papa is going to die. I am too sick about the news to write.
March 19,1836
Today we got a letter from Papa it reads:
March 12,1836
Dear wife, children, and my beautiful house,
We are losing, and Gen. Santa Anna is taking over and all of us are going to die, but pride still remains in my heart. I over heard one of Anna's men saying they will annihilate all of the Texas colonies. They will be coming to Gonzales next so be ready to move. I am proud of what I am doing, there is no need to cry. I love you all dearly.
Love,
your always loved Henry
I cried all night, and Mama didn't even sleep. I didn’t show it, but deep inside my heart I knew this would be the last time we would hear or see Papa. My life would never be the same without him.
March 21,1836
I couldn't write at all these days. We heard that the war is over and that now the Mexicans are coming to burn down houses. We are going to have to go somewhere else, even though I don't want to leave my beautiful town. Mama told us to put all valuable things into a trunk. We are ready to leave but Mama insisted on leaving tomorrow morning at 4 o'clock. Last night I dreamed of Papa's death, it was horrible. I silently went to the hen house and cried for at least an hour. Mama told me to pray to the dead every morning when I grow up. I don't always pray for all the dead but I pray for Papa every day and every night.Come And Take It
Come and take it said the flag
Who waved so high up in the air
The flag that was made out of a wedding dress
That started the war for Texas independence
They made that flag so the Mexicans would know
That they would have to come and take the little six pounder
Who could only make a boom
The flag that started it all made lots of people die
But they died for a good reason,
To make us what we are now
Texas
The Runaway Scrape
Dear diary,
The Mexicans are coming, we have to leave. I put my few expensive items and dresses in a chest along with my family's. At that point we got in our wagon and left. I was heartbroken to have to leave Gonzales, but we had to do what we had to do. Otherwise the Mexicans would come and antagonize us.
We had gone 22 miles when our young mule died. We had to abandon our wagon and walk. It was agonizing to see the dead mules, oxen, and horses on the side of the road. The worst part was all the gravestones. There were at least 2 ladies who sat on the side of the road pleading to be shot and be taking out of their misery.
We have walked at least 18 miles in the last two days and we have yet to find any food or water. There are epidemics of measles, dysentery, whooping cough, and maybe cholera.
I am blind in my right eye and it is very frustrating to not be able to see where I am going or where I am stepping. A nice man gave me some straps to lead my way. Right as I got them a man came and gave us the news that we had won our independence and we could go back home!
Phillip Jeremy's Alamo Diary
February, 22 1836
I was at the fandango when a few men came yelling "Santa Anna is at the Medina river!" I grabbed my old rifle and cut into the lines of men. We rushed into the Alamo and readied the cannons. We needed people because the mexicans outnumbered us 180 to 1000 and they are getting reinforcements everyday.
February, 24 1836
Mr. Travis was writing a letter to the people of Texas and it goes like this- Commandancy of the The Alamo
Bejar, Feby. 24th. 1836
To the People of Texas & All Americans in the World-
Fellow Citizens & compatriots-
I am besieged, 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 & everything 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 and got into the walls 20 or 30 head of Beeves.
Travis.
We got word that Santa Anna is making an artillery battery on the west side of the river. Mr. Travis and Mr. Bowie were both going to share the command, but Mr. Bowie has become too ill to command.
March, 1 1836
I haven't been righting for some time but, a second cold front arrives. A relief column from Gonzales is here, responding to Travis’ pleas for help. The Gonzales Ranging Company safely enters the compound, increasing the garrison’s strength by at least thirty-two. Finding no sign of Fannin’s reinforcements, the detachment sent by Santa Anna returns.
March, 2 1836
Santa Anna keeps playing his band 24/7 and keeping us awake and I aigh't likin' it.
I am to tired to write anymore.
March, 3 1836
I can barely rout' today becaus' I got no sleep last night. Santa Anna has just received 1,100 reinforments and maybe more. Travis' friend has told him we nee' to hol' up Just a little longer. I getting to tired to rite' longer.
March, 1836
We heard that Santa Anna has ordered attack tomorrow morning. Travis has made a line in the sand and has told us that if we step over the line we shall stay and fight for our country and only one man didn't step over and his name was Moses Rose. I am frightened of what will happen tomorrow.
March, 6 1836
Santa Anna gave the attack! I'm now hiding in a small cottage and they're banging Dow' the door. I'm afrai' that I won't live any longer.
Signed,
Phillip Jerem...
The Diary of Agatha Jeremy(Phillip's Mother)
March, 13 1836
I have just received word that all of our son's and husband's have died in the Alamo. Santa Anna and his army are coming closer to Gonzales every day and I've heard their walking 24 miles a day. Later today we will be on the road running from Gonzales. I'm afraid I won't be able to write for a while.
March, 20 1836
We have been on the road for a while and one of my wagon's wheels broke. I hope we don't get killed while running and people are complaining about running and are joining Houston's army. Please let us live and win independence.
April, 1 1836
We've been on the road for weeks and my pencils about to run out of lead. I have to stop writing since we are moving again.
April, 28 1836
Hallelujah, We won independence from Mexico! We recived word from a man yelling "Ma'am turn back turn back we won independence from Mexico at San Jacinto, we're free!"
April, 31 1836
Our lives are better now but we still miss our son's and husband's.
Signed,
Agatha Jeremy
The Alamo Diary of Susanna Dickinson
Monday, February 22
I had so much fun at the fandango today, but things have turned to the worse. I was dancing and having fun, when messengers rode up and told us that Santa Anna and his soldiers are camped at the Medina River. I am now racing to get to the Alamo to be with my husband. Oh, baby Angelina is crying again. I will write as soon as I can.
Tuesday, February 23
I charged through the gates of the Alamo just before they closed. Col. William Travis is writing a plea for help to Gonzales. Santa Anna and his men are beginning siege preparations. My husband told me it is not safe here, but I argued. He told me to hide Angelina in the chapel during the battle. I must go.
Wednesday, February 24
I am terrified, for Santa Anna is constructing an artillery battery on the west side of the river. Col. Bowie has gotten too ill to serve as co-commander so Col. Travis assumed total control. He is writing a letter that ends with these chilling words: Victory or Death. We are running out of food. Angelina is crying all the time now, so I am trying to think of something that will make her happy.
Thursday, February 25
Today Santa Anna tried to obtain control over the jacales (picket and thatch huts) but we fought them off. We didn't lose anyone. Tonight some men are going to sneak out and burn the jacales. We are desperate waiting for supplies to arrive. If help does not arrive soon I fear we will perish. I think I have an idea to get Angelina to stop crying! I will make her a doll, but I do not know how. There isn't much else I can do to make her happy- no needles, cloth, or thread for sewing, no sugar nor flour for sweets.
Friday, February 26
My fear has grown. Almeron told me that many Mexican soldiers have arrived. We are all shivering in this freezing cold. A norther came in bringing cold and freezing rain. Work has continued on the cannons and the ramps to bring them up. We are all worried because reinforcements and supplies haven't come yet.
Baby Angelina has been crying almost non-stop. To make Angelina's doll, I gathered up corn shucks and some tiny scraps of cowhide and started on the doll. Travis gave her one of his treasures, a ring.
Saturday, February 27
We can hear Santa Anna's men working on the batteries and entrenchments. He is sending out foraging parties to nearby ranches to look for supplies. We are still waiting for reinforcements and supplies to arrive. I finished the doll today and gave it to Angelina. She was delighted.
Sunday, February 28
The battle is on! We endured prolonged cannonade from Santa Anna's artillery batteries. Baby Angelina is shrieking loudly. I am scared enough for the both of us, the wall could crack any minute. Oh Lord! When will it be over!
Tuesday, March 1
I didn't get to write yesterday, because I was too busy helping make bullets. There were Mexican soldiers positioned east of us, I was scared that they weren't the only ones coming to take over the Alamo. Today another cold front arrived and we are shivering in the cold. I am afraid that baby Angelina is sick. She has been coughing a lot lately. Whatever sickness she has, I hope it doesn't get worse. Today a relief column from Gonzales arrived, responding to Travis's pleas for help.
Wednesday, March 2
Nothing exciting happened. The only thing I did was make more bullets and worry. I tried to find something for poor Angelina's cough, it has only gotten worse. We are all hungry, because we are running out of food. If supplies don't come soon, i'm afraid the Mexican soldiers will have no trouble defeating us.
Thursday, March 3
Col. Travis received a letter from his friend detailing efforts to send supplies to us. His friend asked him to hold out a little longer until help arrived. Santa Anna received what we expect to be 1,100 reinforcements. Col. Travis sent a letter to appeal for help. Angelina's cough is finally getting better. I hope it will be fully better soon.
Friday, March 4
Santa Anna moved his artillery batteries closer to the Alamo. He keeps firing at us non-stop. I am afraid the walls will break soon. If the walls break we will all surely be killed. Angelina's cough is even better today. She cries out at every cannon shot. We are almost out of material to make bullets. I made as many as I could with the rest of the material. This battle is fraying my nerves.
Saturday, March 5
Today, Col. Travis drew a line in the sand and asked the garrison to mask a decision to leave or stay. Only one man, Moses Rose, chose to leave. I have a suspicion that the final battle is looming ahead. I fear for tomorrow. Angelina's cough cleared up, but I am afraid that it will start up again. I think we all secretly fear for our lives. It's getting late, and I should go to sleep. I hope this will not be the last time I write.
Sunday, March 7
Oh! It was horrible! Santa Anna interviewed all of the survivors individually. Impressed with us, he offered to adopt Angelina and have her educated in Mexico City! Of course I refused his offer, I would never give up my little Angelina. Santa Anna also ordered that the Tejano civilian survivors be allowed to return to their homes in San Antonio. Me, Angelina and Joe, a Texian slave, were allowed to travel towards the Anglo settlements, escorted by Ben, a former American slave who served as Mexican Colonel Juan Almonte's cook. Each woman received $2 and a blanket and was allowed to go free and spread the news of the destruction that awaited those who opposed the Mexican government. Before we departed, Santa Anna ordered that the surviving members of the Mexican army parade in a grand review, intending that Joe and us will thus warn the remainder of the Texian forces that his army was unbeatable. I am shaken badly. I will try to tell of the battle later.
Monday, March 8
It has been a long and cold journey so far. We are almost to Gonzales. Tomorrow we shall reach it. Angelina is crying and she lost her doll in the Alamo. We need to start traveling again.
Tuesday, March 9
We arrived in Gonzales this morning. It hurt me to tell all the wives of the soldiers that their husbands died. Gen. Sam Houston asked me to tell the story of the Alamo. This is what I told him: The bugle call woke us up, the one that means no quarter. We hid in the Alamo chapel. After a little while, we heard cannon blasts. The screams of dying men rang in the air. Angelina was shrieking very loudly. After an hour it was over. A soldier came in and asked me to come with him. A stray bullet grazed my leg and I got tended by the doctor. The doctor told me that Santa Anna ordered the bodies of the men at the Alamo burned. Santa Anna is marching here with his army. After I told Gen. Houston about the battle, we made plans to leave and burn Gonzales. I am worried about Angelina traveling too much more. I should blow out my candle now.