Demo Day: Fire Making

Hands hold flint near steel, over a metal container.

KEEPING A FIRE AT THE HOME OR IN CAMP was extremely important to frontier Texans and soldiers alike. Fire provided warmth, light, and a place to safely prepare food - something especially important when food is wild-caught, like many of the rations of the Texas army as they trekked towards San Jacinto. In 1836, neither lighters nor matches existed yet, so many soldiers carried a fire-making kit consisting of flint, steel, and combustible material to ensure they could create flames at a moment’s notice.

For this demo day, watch as San Jacinto Battleground educators demonstrate how to use a flint and steel to prepare a fire, and learn how to make your own char-cloth.  We’ll even show you how to create your own Texian fire making kit!

Suitable for all ages; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  This program will take place outside of the San Jacinto Monument.