State Historic Site

The Battle That Made Texas Happened in Harris County

The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site marks the location where Texas won its independence from Mexico on April 21, 1836.

Harris County History & Culture

On April 21, 1836, General Sam Houston led about 930 Texans against a Mexican force of roughly 1,250 troops under General Santa Anna. The battle lasted 18 minutes. More than 600 Mexican soldiers were killed and most of the rest were captured. Nine Texans died. Santa Anna was captured the next day.

After this defeat, Santa Anna signed a treaty recognizing Texas as an independent republic. The 1,268-acre site is a National Historic Landmark. A 567-foot monument was completed in 1939. The site is managed by the Texas Historical Commission at 3523 Independence Parkway South in La Porte, just east of Houston. Visit thc.texas.gov for hours and visitor information.

Source to confirm: THC – San Jacinto Battleground History

More Harris County notes

Appraisal District

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The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) sets the taxable value of every property in the county each year.

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Property Tax Exemption

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Homeowners who live in their Harris County home as their primary residence can get a significant cut in their property tax bill through the homestead exemption.

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Property Tax Protest

You Can Fight Your Appraisal in Harris County

Harris County property owners have the right to protest their appraised value every year — and many do.

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Municipal Utility Districts

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Harris County has hundreds of Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) that provide water, sewer, and drainage to homes outside city limits.

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