The White House “Mystery” Meeting: Santa Anna meets Andrew Jackson, 1836-1837

guest contributor: Benjamin J. Swenson

photo: Daguerreotype of Antonio López de Santa Anna

The Texas Revolution beginning in the fall of 1835 achieved its goal of independence after defeating General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto April 21, 1836. Fought on the heels of the martyred heroes at the renowned siege of Alamo lasting from February 23 to March 6, the victory of the small Texan force against a larger Mexican Army was sweetened when Santa Anna was captured the following day while fleeing in a private’s uniform. On May 14, Santa Anna signed the Treaty of Velasco granting Texas independence – an agreement Mexican officials forever contested due to claims the Mexican president was under extreme duress and threat of execution. News of the victory was not only celebrated in Texas, but in the United States – as that country contributed men and munitions to aid the insurrection. The historian Eugene Barker noted that when the war began…