The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present - day Harris County, Texas, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian Army engaged and defeated General Antonio López de Santa Anna 's Mexican army in a fight that lasted just 18 minutes. A detailed, first - hand account of the battle was written by General Houston from Headquarters of the Texian Army, San Jacinto on April 25, 1836. Numerous secondary analyses and interpretations have followed, several of which are cited and discussed throughout this entry.
who commanded the texian cavalry at the battle of san jacinto
General Sam Houston