Burning of the Town, San Felipe
historical marker
In late March 1836, the Texian Army was in retreat ahead of Santa Anna's advancing Mexican forces. This retreat spurred the "Runaway Scrape," a wave of settlers fleeing for their lives. San Felipe, then a vital colonial center, faced a critical decision. To prevent the enemy from benefiting from the town's resources, Texian forces ordered San Felipe evacuated and burned. On March 29, 1836, the town was set ablaze. Buildings, along with the ferry and bridge over the Brazos River, were destroyed. Mexican forces, led by Santa Anna, arrived at the smoldering ruins in early April. This strategic act denied vital supplies and a base to the Mexican army during the Texas Revolution. Although rebuilt, San Felipe never fully regained its original prominence.