|
 Aury & Mina Campsite - Galveston, TX Posted by:  ggmorton
N 29° 18.650 W 094° 47.074
15R E 326690 N 3243745
The location of an historic campsite in Galveston, TX.
Waymark Code: WM1VDY
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 07/13/2007
Views: 40
 |
A Mexican revolution against Spain was in progress in 1816, when Don Luis Aury arrived from New Orleans with a fleet of 15 vessels, claimed the island in the name of Mexico, established a settlement and fortifications, and set up a government. Using the harbor as a base of operations, Aury's ships preyed on Spanish merchant vessels. He was joined by another soldier of fortune, Francisco Xavier Mina, who brought 200 men. Together they planned an expedition against the Mexican coast, but quarreled on the way, and Aury turned back.
"--- The WPA Guide to Texas, 1986"
Now this location is the Port of Galveston. This historic marker pinpoints the location of this camp and settlement.
|
A bivouac in late 1816 and early 1817 for an oddly mixed group of soldiers from many nations joined in the common purpose of freeing Mexico from Spain.
Under two spirited leaders - Mina (1789-1817), an impetuous young Spanish general, and Aury (about 1788-1821), a French privateer and soldier of fortune - the forces drilled while waiting reinforcements and the best time to strike.
For six years Mexico had been trying to wrest power from Spain but lacked military leadership and supplies. These items the two young adventurers hoped to furnish. Aury had already been chosen by Mexican rebel leaders as "Commissioner" of Galveston Island, from which he preyed on Spanish shipping.
At the campsite, Mina's cargo was stored in the hulk of an abandoned ship and, under a torrid sun, he set up tents west of "Galvez Town." Aury, from his store of booty, supplied all with excellent rations.
On April 7, 1817, Mina's invaders sailed, with eight ships and about 235 men, for Soto la Marina; Aury stayed at Galveston. At first victorious, Mina moved inland but was defeated at Venadito on October 27.
Three years later, having gained from early rebel efforts such as these, Mexico won her freedom.
Marker text from the THC Atlas. |
Book: Texas
Page Number(s) of Excerpt: 274
Year Originally Published: 1986
|
Visit Instructions:
To log a Visit, please supply an original image of the Waymark.
|