30 Interesting Facts about James Fannin

Dan April 20, 2023

James Fannin was a 19th-century American military figure who fought in the Texas Revolution. He was born on January 1, 1804, in Georgia, and studied at West Point before leaving to pursue other interests. In 1835, Fannin moved to Texas and became involved in the revolutionary struggle for Texas’ independence from Mexico.

Fannin is perhaps best known for his role in the Battle of Coleto Creek, where he and his men were defeated by Mexican forces under General Antonio López de Santa Anna. Fannin and his men surrendered under the promise of humane treatment, but were later executed by Santa Anna’s forces in what became known as the Goliad Massacre. Despite his defeat, Fannin’s leadership and bravery in battle have made him a respected figure in Texas history. His legacy has been commemorated in numerous ways, including the naming of a Texas county and a state park in his honor.

It’s a good idea to look at these 30 interesting facts about James Fannin to know more about him.

1. James Fannin was born on January 1, 1804, in Georgia.
2. He attended West Point Military Academy for two years before leaving to pursue other interests.
3. Fannin moved to Texas in 1835 and became involved in the revolutionary struggle for Texas’ independence from Mexico.
4. He was appointed as a colonel in the Texas Army in October 1835.
5. Fannin was known for his leadership and bravery in battle, and his men called him the “Old Secessionist.”
6. Fannin was married to Minerva Fort, and the couple had two daughters.
7. He was involved in several military campaigns during the Texas Revolution, including the Battle of Concepción and the Siege of Bexar.
8. Fannin was defeated by Mexican forces at the Battle of Coleto Creek on March 20, 1836.
9. He and his men were promised humane treatment if they surrendered, but were later executed in what became known as the Goliad Massacre.
10. The Goliad Massacre was a turning point in the Texas Revolution and fueled the Texan forces’ resolve to fight for independence.
11. Fannin’s last words were reportedly, “Oh, my God! This is horrible!”
12. Fannin’s body was burned along with the bodies of his men, and their ashes were scattered.
13. Fannin was posthumously promoted to brigadier general in the Texas Army.
14. He is one of several Texas Revolution figures who have been honored with a statue on the Capitol grounds in Austin.
15. Fannin County, Texas, is named in his honor.
16. There is a state park in Goliad, Texas, that is dedicated to Fannin and his men.
17. Fannin’s letters to his wife and family have been preserved and provide insights into his thoughts and experiences during the Texas Revolution.
18. He was known for his tactical abilities and his use of artillery in battle.
19. Fannin had a reputation for being stubborn and sometimes difficult to work with.
20. He was described as being a tall man with a commanding presence.
21. Fannin was a slave owner and owned several enslaved people who fought alongside him during the Texas Revolution.
22. Fannin and his men were outnumbered and outgunned at the Battle of Coleto Creek, but they fought bravely and held their ground for several hours.
23. Fannin’s execution was not authorized by Santa Anna, but was carried out by a subordinate officer.
24. The exact number of men killed in the Goliad Massacre is not known, but estimates range from 342 to 400.
25. Fannin’s execution was a violation of the laws of war and drew condemnation from both sides of the conflict.
26. Fannin was initially buried in a mass grave, but his remains were later identified and reinterred in a tomb.
27. Fannin’s descendants have included several prominent Texans, including U.S. Senator James W. Flanagan and Texas Ranger John Salmon “Rip” Ford.
28. There have been several books and films made about James Fannin and the Texas Revolution.
29. Fannin’s legacy has been the subject of debate and controversy, with some questioning his decisions and leadership during the Texas Revolution.
30. Despite the controversies surrounding his life and legacy, James Fannin remains an important figure in Texas history and the fight for Texas’ independence.

James Fannin was a military leader who played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. Though his life was cut short by the tragic events at Goliad, Fannin’s bravery and leadership continue to be remembered and honored by Texans today. He is recognized as a symbol of the Texan struggle for independence and a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for a better future. Despite the controversies surrounding his life and legacy, Fannin remains an important figure in Texas history, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of courage and sacrifice in times of conflict.