Texian Military Leaders

Who were some of the most influential military leaders during the Texas Revolution?

William Travis (1809-1836)

Painting of William B. Travis (1809–36), who commanded the Republic of Texas forces and died at the Battle of the Alamo. Accuracy of the likeness is questionable because the artist never met the subject and used a stand-in as the model.

William Travis was a lawyer before he became a lieutenant in the Texas army during the Texas Revolution. He fought during the Battle of the Alamo. He also died during that battle.

Sidney Sherman (1805-1873)

Sidney Sherman, a general in the Texas Revolution.

Sidney Sherman was a Texian general during the Texas Revolution. He came to Texas after hearing that Texas wanted to win its independence from Mexico. He joined the army and recruited people from Ohio and Kentucky to fight. Sherman became colonel of the cavalry, which were soldiers who fought on horseback. He helped defeat the Mexican army during the Battle of San Jacinto. He is famous for saying, "Remember the Alamo!"

Sam Houston (1793-1863)

Portrait photograph of Sam Houston from a 1/6th plate daguerreotype.

Sam Houston was commander-in-chief during the Battle of San Jacinto, the fight that led to Texas' independence. After defeating the Mexican soldiers, Sam Houston was elected president of the Republic of Texas.