195th Anniversary Commemoration1832 · 2027

TheBattle of Nacogdoches

Join the community to remember the battle sometimes called the “opening gun of the Texas Revolution.”

DateSaturday, July 31, 2027
LocationFestival Park
TimeTo be announced

The Commemoration

What to expect

On August 2, 1832, the settlers of Nacogdoches refused an order to surrender their arms and drove the Mexican garrison out of town. Each year the community gathers to honor the men who fought and to celebrate Nacogdoches's place in Texas history. This year's program is at Festival Park. It is family-friendly and open to the public.

Remembrance ceremony

A formal program recognizing the Texians who fought on August 2, 1832, and those who fell.

Featured speaker TBA

A historian or first-person interpreter will bring the events of 1832 to life. We will announce the speaker here.

Texas history, up close

Learn how a fight in the streets of Nacogdoches helped open the way to the Texas Revolution, just blocks from where it happened.

Community celebration

Meet the Sons and Daughters of the Republic of Texas and neighbors who share a love of Texas heritage.

Plan Your Visit

Event details

Date
Saturday, July 31, 2027
Time
To be announced Coming soon
Location
Festival Park, downtown Nacogdoches, Texas
Open in Google Maps
Admission
Free and open to the public
Speaker
To be announced Coming soon
Weather & comfort
Shade tents, chairs and water will be provided. You're welcome to bring your own lawn chair. Late July in East Texas is hot, so dress for the heat and bring sunscreen. Rain plan to be announced.
August 2, 1832

The opening gun of the Texas Revolution

In the summer of 1832, Col. José de las Piedras commanded the Mexican garrison at Nacogdoches. When he ordered the settlers of the Department of Nacogdoches to surrender their arms, they refused.

On August 2, some 300 Texian militia under Capt. James W. Bullock marched into town and met Piedras's troops. Fighting spread through the streets around the town square, the Stone House (the Old Stone Fort), the church and the Red House.

Piedras withdrew that night. The next day Texians, among them James Bowie, caught his retreating troops at the Angelina River. Piedras took refuge at the John Durst home, where his own men turned against him and surrendered.

The victory cleared East Texas of military rule and let citizens meet in convention freely, which is why it is sometimes called the "opening gun of the Texas Revolution."

  1. Piedras orders settlers in the Department of Nacogdoches to give up their arms.

  2. Texian militia enter Nacogdoches. Fighting through the day around the Stone House, the church and the square.

  3. Piedras evacuates the garrison under cover of darkness.

  4. Pursuers overtake the retreating troops at Buckshot Crossing on the Angelina River. At the John Durst home, Piedras's men turn on him and approximately 300 soldiers surrender.

  5. Four years later, Texas wins its independence.

300Texians engaged
387Mexican troops
47Mexican soldiers killed
4Texians killed
Presented By

Hosts & partners

Adolphus Sterne Chapter

Sons of the Republic of Texas

The Stone Fort Chapter

Daughters of the Republic of Texas

City of Nacogdoches

Community partner

Questions, volunteering or sponsorship