On April 21, 1836, American General Sam Houston ordered his Texan army of 783 men to attack the Mexican army of about 1,350 soldiers, beginning the Battle of San Jacinto.
Although outnumbered and trapped by a determined Mexican army, Sam Houston did not waver. Under Sam Houston's leadership, he and his men made a valiant surprise attack on Mexican General Santa Anna's forces that soon after the Mexican army became overwhelmed and led to hundreds of Santa Anna's men to surrender. In the aftermath, General Santa Anna who fled during the decisive battle was later captured and forced to sign the Treaty of Velasco, granting Texas its independence from Mexico.