ARMIES OF THE 19TH CENTURY had to face unique communication challenges while they were on the battleground. The roar of cannons, clap of muskets, and men yelling on the battlefield made shouting commands ineffective and impossible to be heard. The dense smoke generated by these weapons made visual commands also difficult to convey.
Instead, specialized battlefield bands would use drums, fifes, and horns to send musical messages to convey information. At the Battle of San Jacinto, the Texian charge to the Mexican Camp was signaled by a then-popular song called “Will You Come to the Bower?”
Join us outside of the San Jacinto Monument for a day focused on the “beats” of the battleground and learn about the instruments and people who helped the Texians prevail at the Battle of San Jacinto.
Suitable for all ages.