Texas played a significant role in the fight for independence during the American Revolution. Researchers like Robert Thonhoff have uncovered little-known stories about Texas’ contributions to the nation’s fight for independence.
Texas’ Role in American Revolution
Thonhoff’s research, which includes materials and maps detailing how Texans came to side with the rebel cause, is now part of the Texas A&M University-San Antonio Archives and Special Collections department. The research shows that Texans contributed to the revolution by providing cattle to support Bernardo de Gálvez’s assault on British territory from Louisiana.
On June 21, 1779, Spain declared war on Great Britain, and Tejanos stepped up to provide cattle to support the revolutionist cause. The cattle came from missions and ranches, including those owned by Manuel Delgado, Ignacio Calvillo, and Doña Leonora Delgado.
Professor Amy Porter, a historian at Texas A&M-San Antonio, said that Thonhoff’s research highlights the important role that Texas cattle and ranches played in the American Revolution. Porter also noted that women, including those from Canary Island families, played a significant role in the revolution by owning and managing ranches.
The Thonhoff collection is now partially on display in the university library to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
