Side Glances on Texas History
This column recalls Smithwick’s humorous Texas tales. It recounts the Cronk tribe legend linked to Captain Dimmit and a tale of feasting, misreads, and a clash with Mexican and Texan forces, then notes a century ago Texas interest in expanding toward Santa Fe ending in a major public disaster.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
University of Texas Library
Texas
Smithwick
Dimmit
Lavaca River
Cronks
Iis Ranch
Tdimmit
Cronk
Mexico
Gulf
West
Santa Fe
New Mexico
Republic
Texans in Santa Fe Expedition Remembered in 1841 Campaign
The Santa Fe Pioneers led by Brig. Gen. Hugh McLeod set out in 1841 to bring northern Mexico into the Republic. After seven months of hardship across Texas with half rations and hostile terrain they were betrayed in Santa Fe by Mexican authorities. Prison, suffering, and eventual intercession by the United States led to their release, except for one commissioner. The tale recalls earlier Texas struggles with Mexican forces and Houston’s wartime decisions.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Fe
Tamar
New Mexico
Old Province
Texas
University of Texas Hbrary
San Miguel
Lewis
William P. Lewis
Don Salezas
Armijo
Hugh McLeod
McLeod
Santiago
Puebla
Perote
Republic
United States
Jose Antonio Navarro
Smith and Alsbury Lead Texans Through False Mexican Cavalry
The narrative recounts how Smith ordered retreat after burning a bridge and guiding his men through a risky plan. Alsbury notes the prairie seemed full of Mexican horse, but the force found no Mexican cavalry once they reached camp, revealing the bold bluff and strategic misdirection.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa Anna
Smith
Alsbury
Houston
Also Mentioned on This Page
Myrick's Barber Shop
Fred Myrick
Dollie Dunnaway
Rieley
Leifeste
Bwenson Body Works
Llano
FR. Fishbeck
Little Page Produce CO
Buster
Buster's Cleaners
M. D. Buster
Bill Walker
W. J. Everett
Sam Houston
U. S
112Th Field Artillery
Camp Lee
Virginia
Peterson
Llano Storage & Commission CO
State of Texas
Elmo Littlepage
Mgr
Llano, Texas
Ward and
Treadwell
State of
M. E. McKay
HOTEL
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!