On April 21, 1836, around 4:00 in the afternoon, this quiet spot was a scene of chaos and carnage.
General Santa Anna established his army’s camp here on the evening of April 20. The following morning, he ordered his men to build a temporary fortification known as a breastwork in front of their position for protection. According to both Mexican and Texian accounts, the breastwork was approximately four feet high and made of baggage, branches, and brush, with a gap through which to fire their cannon.
The location of the camp was controversial from the start. In his official report for the Ministry of War and Marine, written in March 1837, Santa Anna praised the location of his camp, writing that he “camped on a hill that gave me an advantageous position, with water on the rear, heavy woods to our right as far as the banks of the San Jacinto, open plains to the left, and a clear front.”
However, others in the Mexican Army were less pleased with the location. In his account of the battle, Colonel Pedro Delgado wrote that “the camping ground of His Excellency’s selection was, in all respects, against military rules. Any youngster would have done better.”
Delgado’s concern was justified. On April 21, the marsh behind the camp prevented the Mexican soldiers from fleeing after the battle, contributing to their high death toll.