The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day Harris County, Texas, is the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution.

Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian Army engages and defeats General Antonio López de Santa Anna's Mexican forces in a fight that lasts just 18 minutes.

About 630 of the Mexican soldiers are killed and 730 captured, while only 9 Texians die.Santa Anna, the President of Mexico, is captured the following day and held as a prisoner of war.

Three weeks later, he signs the peace treaty that dictates that the Mexican army leave the region, paving the way for the Republic of Texas to become an independent country.

These treaties do not specifically recognize Texas as a sovereign nation, but stipulate that Santa Anna is to lobby for such recognition in Mexico City.

Sam Houston becomes a national celebrity, and the Texans' rallying cries, "Remember the Alamo!"

and "Remember Goliad!"

becomes etched into Texas history and legend.