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Comment by hirundo | Hacker News Reader

Today is the 184th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto, "the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution". Outnumbered Texians defeated the Mexican army in a lopsided slaughter and captured their general.

So a good day for a story with this headline even if it is about littering.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_San_Jacinto

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Sam Houston was an interesting man, Governor of two states, president of a young republic, a general (and talented one at that), a slaveholder yes, but he considered the civil war an effort in futility.

Indeed he was! He was also quite outspoken against the treatment of Native Americans (at least, relative to his time) having spent a significant amount of time living among the Cherokee. This won him quite a few enemies, as the "Indian problem" was a pretty significant issue in the nascent Republic of Texas.

He was strongly opposed to Texas secession and gave one of his most famous speeches in opposition to it.

For anyone interested, T. R. Fehrenbach's "Lone Star" is a great history of Texas and of Sam Houston (among many other colorful characters).

The language in Lone Star is a bit dated, but I agree with you, its an absolutely fantastic book.

This is an old thread, but I have to thank you for recommending this book. I ordered it and have been hooked! Incredible writing and storytelling. Thanks from this Texan.

Viva La Fiesta

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