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LA PORTE — The Sons of the Republic of Texas (SRT) will host the annual Texian Navy Day observance at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, at the San Jacinto Monument’s Jesse James Theatre, 1 Monument Circle, La Porte.
Established by the Texas Legislature in 2005, Texian Navy Day honors the men who served in the Texas Navy, whose contributions were instrumental in the fight for independence and the survival of the Republic of Texas. The public is invited to attend.
This year’s keynote speaker, historian Chris Kneupper, will present on the First Texas Navy and the Brazos River Port.
“The Texian Navy doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves,” Kneupper said. “On land, soldiers at forts at the mouth of the Brazos and Galveston Pass, and at sea, sailors of the First Texas Navy protected supply lines, broke blockades, kept the Gulf free from Mexican warships, and acquired supplies intended for Santa Anna. They protected the southern flank of Sam Houston as his forces came to San Jacinto, allowing them to prevail in that battle. Basically, they saved Houston’s bacon, helping the Texian Revolutionary Army win Texas independence.”
Kneupper’s presentation, “Early Port Activity at the Mouth of the Brazos,” covers the per iod of 1820–1836. It will include early efforts to map the coast, the founding of Austin’s Colony using the Brazos as the main port of entry, the Brazos as the first authorized “puerto de Galvezton,” the 1832 construction of Fortaleza de Velasco and the ensuing Battle of Velasco, and activities leading to the Texas Revolution of 1835–36, including the San Felipe Incident, Texas Fort Velasco, the Brazos as home port of the First Texas Navy, and the Treaties of Velasco.
The ceremony will open with music from the Deer Park High School Orchestra, followed by the presentation of colors, proclamations, and a memorial wreath- laying.
Representatives from the Texas Navy Association, the Texas Historical Commission, and the Battleship Texas Foundation are expected to attend. Following the ceremony, guests will be led outside for a cannon salute from “Rolling Thunder,” manned by the Texas Volunteers.
Program Highlights
• Musical Prelude: Deer Park High School Orchestra
• Welcome Address: Robyn Davis, Chairman, Texian Navy Day Committee • Keynote Speaker: Chris Kneupper – The First Texas Navy and the Brazos River Port
• Special Proclamations: Recognitions by the Governor of Texas and local city mayors
• Laying of the Memorial Wreath: Led by Devin Lindsey, President General of SRT
• Sailor of the Year Awards: Bobby Miller, President, SRT San Jacinto Chapter; Antonio Cerda III, President, Erastus Deaf Smith Chapter; Bart Dawson, Past President, Sam Houston Chapter
• Cannon Fire Salute: “Rolling Thunder” by the Texas Volunteers A Navy in Two Chapters The Texian Navy played a decisive role in Texas independence and later in sustaining the young republic.
The First Texas Navy, established in 1835, consisted of four schooners — the Liberty, Invincible, Brutus and Independence. Their mission was to protect the coast, break Mexican blockades and escort supply ships. These efforts helped prevent Mexican reinforcements and supplies from reaching their forces, contributing directly to the Texian victory at San Jacinto. By 1837, the fleet was lost through battle and attrition.
In 1839, the Republic established the Second Texas Navy, adding new ships including the steam-powered Zavala, the first of its kind in Texas service. The navy conducted operations along the Mexican coast and assisted Yucatecan rebels in 1840. At the Battle of Campeche in 1843, the steam warship Austin and the sailing vessel Wharton fought Mexican steam frigates to a historic draw — the only known battle in which sailing and steam warships engaged one another.
The Texian Navy’s act ive service ended in 1843, and its ships were transferred to the U.S. Navy after Texas’ annexation in 1846.
Preserving Legacy Each year, Texian Navy Day highlights this often- overlooked chapter of Texas history.
“ The Texian Navy’s sacrifices are often overshadowed by the land battles,” said Devin Lindsey, President General of the SRT. “But without their courage on the water, there would have been no victory at San Jacinto to celebrate.”
The Sons of the Republic of Texas is dedicated to preserving the memory and spirit of those who fought for and maintained Texas’ independence. Membership is open to male descendants of Republic of Texas residents. For more information, visit www. srttexas. org.
