THIS APRIL, the San Jacinto Battleground will once again hear the booming of cannons, the cracking of musket fire, and the shouts of “Remember the Alamo!”
On Saturday, April 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. the 2024 San Jacinto Day Celebration, presented by the San Jacinto Museum and the Texas Historical Commission, will be a day of fun, reenactments, and living history activities celebrating the 188th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto. Reenactors dressed in period clothing will make the epic events of April 1836 come alive, and reenactments throughout the day will recreate the dramatic events that led to one of the most decisive and impactful military victories in the history of North America.
View or print a PDF summary of event information.
See the Event Map.
Battle of San Jacinto Reenactment
The Battle of San Jacinto and the surrender of General Santa Anna will come to life during the battle reenactment. The reenactment will be held twice during the day, at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Interested participants can fill out a form to become a reenactor for the event.
The Road to San Jacinto
The Battle of San Jacinto didn’t happen in a vacuum; it was the final chapter of six months of fighting and debate about the future of Texas. Representatives from the other major Texas Revolution sites will be on hand to share their parts in the story that ended with the Battle of San Jacinto.
- Washington-on-the-Brazos - Delegate Election Program
- Barrington Plantation - Oxen and the Revolution
- San Felipe de Austin - Revolution Prionting at San Felipe de Austin
- The Alamo - Kids Musket Drill
- Presidio La Bahia - Texan Army Gear and Drill Demonstration
- The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas
Living History
Step back in time to revolutionary Texas! Hands-on, participatory activities will let you interact with reenactors as they cook food, check weapons, and engage in the daily routines of soldiers and civilians from almost 200 years ago. All activities are family-friendly and include fun activities just for kids. Drop in any time between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
The San Jacinto Education Team is seeking volunteers to assist in running living history stations throughout the event. If you are interested in demonstrating hands-on history programming or have any questions about volunteering, please reach out to Liz Persinger at elizabeth.persinger@thc.texas.gov or 281-479-2421 ext. 246.
San Jacinto Day Lecture Series
Explore the Battle of San Jacinto and the Texas Revolution in depth with four renowned scholars. Lectures will take place before, between, and after the two reenactments and admission to them is free. Each lecture will be approximately 30 minutes long with an opportunity for a question-and-answer session following its conclusion
Lecture Series Schedule
10:00 a.m. - Dr. Frank de la Teja: Decades of Turmoil: Texas Before 1836
12:00 noon - Historian Bill O'Neal: Sam Houston and the San Jacinto Campaign
1:30 p.m. - Dr. Andrew J. Torget: What Really Happened During the Battle of San Jacinto?
4:00 p.m. - Dr. Carolina Castillo Crimm: Facing the Future: Texas as a Republic
Schedule
- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: Living History and Activities Area open. Activities will pause during reenactments.
- 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.: The Road to San Jacinto presentations happening throughout the day.
- 10:00 a.m. Square Dancing & Virginia Reel
- 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.: Battle of San Jacinto Reenactment.
Experiences
Activities
- Representatives from San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, and the Alamo to provide activities throughout the day
- Runaway Scrape area + activities
- Archeological artifacts from the battleground
Living History Activities
Crafts and Daily Life
- Cartridge Box Making - Learn how Texian soldiers prepared for battle
- Yellow Rose - Discover the legend and its significance
- Haversack Packing - Pack like a soldier on the move
- Quill and Ink - Experience how letters and orders were written
Military and Frontier Skills
- Bulletmaking/Firemaking - Understand the essentials of survival and combat
- Breadmaking - Taste history by learning to make bread as early Texans did
- Cannon and Musket Demonstrations - Witness the firepower of the era
- Dress Like a Texian or Mexican - Step into the boots of the soldiers who fought for Texas's future
- Battlefield Medicine and Medicine Making - Explore the medical practices and challenges of 19th century warfare
- Battle Beats - Listen to the music that inspired and lifted the spirits of soldiers
- Flag Making - Craft flags that represented the diverse factions of the Texas Revolution
- ...and more!
Parking
General parking is located in Lot A. Additional parking is available once Lot A is full. Shuttle bus service available to take you to and from the Monument. Last shuttle is at 6 PM. Handicap and Rideshare drop off parking is located near the Monument. Attendants will direct you to the available parking.
Parking is limited, so we encourage carpooling or utilizing rideshare services whenever possible to ensure everyone has access to parking. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Event Parking and Transportation Details
Market and Food Vendors
We are seeking artisans, craftsmen, farmers, bakers, specialty food producers, local businesses, food trucks/booths, and nonprofits!
This outdoor event offers a unique opportunity to showcase your products and connect with new customers in a scenic and historical setting. As a bonus, Nonprofits with a 501(c)(3) status are welcome to participate for free!
With limited space available, be sure to apply today and take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. Approved vendors will receive a 10’x10’ booth space only. Vendors will need to provide their own tent, table, chairs, and power. Food Vendors/Trucks will be charged $75, Market Vendors will be charged $50, and Nonprofits (with a 501(c)(3) status) will receive a free booth space.
To apply or for more information, please use the following links:
Vendor Market and Nonprofit Inquiry Form
Food Vendors/Food Trucks Inquiry Form
Event Sponsors
Robert R. and Kay M. Onstead Foundation
Sponsorship Opportunities
Preserving and celebrating the state's history is crucial. Supporters are invited to join in this endeavor to help ensure that the spirit of San Jacinto Day lives on for years to come.
Thank you for considering a sponsorship or donation.
Sponsorship Opportunities/Donation Support
For sponsorship information, contact Kali Ellis at kellis@sanjacinto-museum.org or call 281-479-2421 x018.
Parking
Parking is extremely limited. Rideshares and carpooling are encouraged and appreciated. A drop-off spot is located is near the San Jacinto Monument.
General Information
For more information about the event, email san-jacinto-battleground@thc.texas.gov or call 281-479-2421.