Capturing Béxar was not only strategic must for the rebels, defeating General Martín Perfecto de Cos would earn the rebels’ credibility in the eyes of the outside world.
Not only was the town a commercial center, political seat, and important crossroads, Béxar held the largest concentration of troops loyal to Santa Anna and his Centralist administration in Texas. A few days later, on October 12, a volunteer force designated the Federal Army of Texas - assembled at Gonzales and led by Stephen F. After their victory at Gonzales on October 2, 1835, the colonists quickly moved to capture Presidio La Bahía (Goliad) early on the morning of October 9. To be taken seriously, rebels must capture important places both for the resources they offer as well as the symbolic value that winning such prizes represent. Revolts like the Texas Revolution follow a simple, logical progression. After Mexico’s independence in 1821, the town represented the heart of Mexican Texas. Although a few small communities existed along the Sabine River, Béxar represented the heart of Spanish Texas. In addition, it became a necessary stop for travelers journeying back and forth between the Rio Grande Valley and the Texas-Louisiana border. For the Spanish, it formed the center of government, defense, and trade. As such, Béxar became the focal point of human activity. The region represented a convergence of vegetation, wildlife, and people. The main attraction was not just access to water, though. The Spanish recognized the geographical significance of the headwaters of the San Antonio River, which is why they established five missions, a presidio, and a town nearby. If it were such a worthless place, why did President Antonio López de Santa Anna feel the need to capture it? Moreover, why did the Texans feel compelled to defend it even to the point of death? The truth is that many teachers and even some historians have failed to understand the importance of the town of San Antonio de Béxar in Texas history. This is especially true for the Alamo, which has traditionally been portrayed as an old abandoned mission in the middle of nowhere. Although this approach presents an easy story to remember with a clear beginning, middle, and ending to the conflict, it does little to promote real understanding of the conflict. Texas school children learn to summarize the Texas Revolution with three major events: the Battle of Gonzales, the Battle of the Alamo, and the Battle of San Jacinto. “Béxar was held by the enemy and it was necessary to open the door to our future operations by taking it.” - General Antonio López de Santa Anna Bruce Winders, Former Alamo Director of History and Curator
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