How many of you have heard of the Republic of Fredonia? On this day in 1826, Benjamin Edwards rode into the Mexican-controlled Nacogdoches, Texas, and proclaimed himself ruler of the Republic of Fredonia. He enlisted help from a local Indian tribe and tried to take the town from the Mexicans. (This was the first of many rebellions against Mexico and it all ended about ten years later at the Alamo.)
I have driven around the west side of Nacogdoches many times on highway 59 when heading north or northeast on trips. It proclaims itself as the oldest town in Texas. It is also a college town and is home to the Stephen F. Austin University. Here is a link to university: - http://www.sfasu.edu/
There are many beautiful old homes in that town. I guess one of these days, instead of just driving through or around that town, I will have to stop and explore a bit. Although I much prefer to be out exploring nature's wonders, I still appreciate our history. Now, don't have any rebellions at your place and have a glorious day, you hear?
Hadn't heard of that one. In NH we had the Indian Stream Republic. The ISR militia led a successful raid into Canada to free one of its leaders.
ReplyDeleteThere were quite a few little independence movements in the US that for some reason never made the history books.
Don't you have relatives that live in that area or near Nacogdoches? Like I said, I have passed through there a lot of times but didn't know much about the place.
DeleteSure do. We'll be heading through there, probably in the spring, but maybe earlier.
DeleteWe have the state of Jefferson in N. California, but I've never heard of Fredonia. Isn't that just a lot of nerve - ride into a place and tell the people there that "I'm taking over now". I think the U.S. did some embarrassing things to become the 50 states it is today.
ReplyDeleteNow Gypsy, don't you know that I live in the state of Dizzy?? Some think I live in the state of dizziness. . . Maybe I live in both.
DeleteWe have a Fredonia about 20 miles NW of us, on Hwy 71.
DeleteGood story!
ReplyDeleteI had to read up on the republic, that took me to this small piece of history-
Filibuster (military)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A filibuster or freebooter is someone who engages in an unauthorized military expedition into a foreign country to foment or support a revolution. The term is usually used to describe United States citizens who attempted to foment insurrections in Latin America in the mid-19th century, but is also applicable in the modern day.
Filibusters are irregular soldiers who act without authority from their own government, and are generally motivated by financial gain, political ideology, or the thrill of adventure. The freewheeling actions of the filibusters of the 1850s led to the name being applied figuratively to the political act of filibustering in the United States Congress.[1]
Unlike a mercenary, a filibuster leader/commander works for himself, whilst a mercenary leader works for others.[2]
Reading the rest of what Edwards did it does sound like he was an early 'Filibuster'.
(Gotta love Wikipedia!)
Thanks for the info. I didn't know that meaning of filibuster.
DeleteI recently read an interesting book... Mexicans in the Making of America, by Neil Foley. Makes a person think twice about immigration laws today.
ReplyDeleteModern America was made from immigrants from all over the world. The native American Indian was the only native and some believe they migrated here from other lands.
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