James Fannin
Quick Summary
James W. Fannin, Jr. was a Georgian who attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point but did not graduate. He moved to Texas in 1834 and worked as a slave trader. Fannin became involved early in the Texas Revolution, participating in battles as an officer. As commander of Texan forces at Goliad, he was ordered to retreat but was caught and surrendered at the Battle of Coleto Creek. Despite assurances of being treated as prisoners of war, Fannin and his men were executed on Santa Anna's orders on March 27, 1836, an event known as the Goliad Massacre. This event, along with the Battle of the Alamo, galvanized public opinion in the United States and contributed to the war frenzy against Mexico.123
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GoliadJames Fannin surrendered (March 20, 1836, after the Battle of Coleto Creek) to superior Mexican forces under Gen. José Urrea. Although Mexican law stipulated that foreign belligerents taken on Mexican soil be executed for piracy, Fannin surrendered with the understanding that his men would be…
Read MoreJames Fannin surrendered (March 20, 1836, after the Battle of Coleto Creek) to superior Mexican forces under Gen. José Urrea. Although Mexican law stipulated that foreign belligerents taken on Mexican soil be executed for piracy, Fannin surrendered with the understanding that his men would be…
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Texas RevolutionSanta Anna responds: the Alamo and the Goliad MassacreJames W. Fannin had planned, but then aborted, an action against Matamoros, and a large number of Texans remained under his command in Goliad. At the end of February and the beginning of March, other elements of the Texan forces met with defeat in encounters…
Read MoreJames W. Fannin had planned, but then aborted, an action against Matamoros, and a large number of Texans remained under his command in Goliad. At the end of February and the beginning of March, other elements of the Texan forces met with defeat in encounters…
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