The Grass Fight Plaque

Could a battle fought over grass actually change the course of a revolution? Here at the Grass Fight Plaque, we uncover the story of a bizarre yet pivotal skirmish in the Texas Revolution. The Grass Fight Plaque commemorates this unusual battle, fought just weeks before the decisive siege of Bexar. On November 26, 1835, whispers of a Mexican pack train filled with silver excited the Texan camp. Texian scout Deaf Smith reported a column of Mexican soldiers and pack animals approaching San Antonio. The Texians, under the command of Edward Burleson, envisioned capturing a treasure trove to fund their fight. Colonel James Bowie, with a cavalry unit, and Colonel William Jack, leading an infantry unit, were dispatched to intercept this supposed silver shipment. The clash occurred near the confluence of the Alazan, Apache, and San Pedro Creeks, just outside San Antonio. The fighting was fierce. Both sides dismounted and fought from the cover of dry creek beds. General Cos, witnessing the battle from San Antonio, sent reinforcements. The Texians, however, held their ground and repulsed several Mexican attacks. Finally, the Mexican forces retreated back to San Antonio. The Texians, eager to claim their prize, examined the captured pack train. To their astonishment, the packs contained not silver, but freshly cut grass for the Mexican army’s horses in Bexar. Hence the name, “The Grass Fight”. While seemingly insignificant, the Grass Fight had a profound impact on the Texas Revolution. This small victory boosted Texian morale significantly. It proved they could stand against the Mexican army, even if the spoils of war were less than glamorous. The Grass Fight, memorialized by this plaque, was a turning point. It infused the Texian army with the confidence needed to launch a successful attack on San Antonio just days later. The capture of San Antonio was a major victory for the Texians and a significant step towards independence. So, next time you think of a “grass fight”, remember the story of this plaque. It tells of a seemingly comical event that played a crucial role in the fight for Texas independence.