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The Texas Revolution
Venado Run n Gun Scenario
In the summer of 1835 Santa Anna annulled the Constitution of 1824. With this action and his assumption of dictatorial powers, he imposed policies intended to suppress any federalist efforts within Mexico. This included the disarmament of colonial outposts in Tejas in order to suppress growing calls for a rebellion.
As part of this effort, Mexican officials demanded the return of a cannon loaned to DeWitt colonists for protection against Indians. On September 26th, 1835, Andrew Ponton sent a letter to Mexican officials, in an act of open defiance, informing them that the cannon would not be returned, setting in motion a powder keg of events that culminated in the Texas Revolution.
The origins of our name ‘Old Eighteen’ refers to the original group of volunteers that assembled to prevent members of the Mexican military, under command of Lt. Castañeda, from confiscating the Gonzales Cannon. Eighteen men stood to delay over 150 Mexican soldiers for 2 days while the militia assembled in Gonzales.
Every stage at the Venado Run n Gun will loosely interpret an event, scenario, battle, or skirmish that took place during the Texas Revolution. No, we did not build a replica of the Alamo…but we did do a lot of research into each one of these events and did our best to apply them to the various stages. Over the course of the weekend (10k Saturday & 5k Sunday) you will participate in each of the major conflicts that shaped Texas history:
10K:
Stage 1: Battle of Gonzales
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After the initial skirmish, Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea’s forces have retreated to a nearby bluff, uninformed of the size of the militia surrounding them. From across the ravine, you and the Texas forces will open fire in the morning.
Stage 2: Battle of Goliad
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Texan forces raid the Presidio La Bahía garrison. Running into the fortress, you must prepare yourself for close quarter combat as the Mexican forces have assembled after hearing the initial shots from neutralizing the sentry.
Stage 3: Battle of Concepcion
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From a gully, the Texan forces fight to hold off Colonel Domingo Ugartechea, who has now surrounded their position in all directions. The gully offers plenty of cover as the opposing side sends cannon fire over your head for effect. The cannon fire is knocking pecans off the trees which is a nice snack.
Stage 4: Grass Fight
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About 1 mile from Béxar, David Bowie spots Mexican soldiers crossing a dry ravine and orders a charge for the initial engagement of this skirmish. You briefly exchange fire before both sides dismount and take cover in dry streambeds.
Stage 5: Battle of Lipantitlan
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From the banks of the Nueces River a short battle takes place. The Texans’ rifles were more accurate and had a greater range preventing Captain Nicolás Rodríguez men from surrounding them. You must conserve your ammo as you wait for reinforcements.
Stage 6: Siege of Bexar
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Stephen Austin called a council of war, which voted to continue the siege and wait for reinforcements and more artillery before attacking. However, as a member of the Texian army you have grown impatient to begin the fighting. From your distant vantage point, you take shots at passing troops.
Stage 7: Battle of San Patricio
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At 3:30 a.m. Captain Rafael Pretalia enters San Patricio with his troops going door to door looking for Texan forces. You and Frank Johnson, the commander of the volunteer army in Texas, hear fighting breaking out in the streets and must quickly escape through back doors and alleys.
5k:
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Stage 1: Battle of the Alamo
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William Travis yells, "Come on boys, the Mexicans are upon us and we'll give them hell!" as the Mexican forces march toward the Alamo. From cover you open fire into tightly concentrated troops which should provide easy targets.
Stage 2: Battle of Agua Dulce
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James Grant and his band of volunteers are ambushed at a well-known crossing point on Agua Dulce Creek. Grant was on his way to invade the Mexican town of Matamoros when General José Urreas Centralista soldiers surprised and overwhelmed the small force of Texans who have no other option but to fight for their lives.
Stage 3: Battle of Refugio
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Captain U. J Bullock’s men, in the Georgia Battalion, fended off 3 to 4 major attacks from General José Urreas Centralista soldiers. At least 2 attacks were focused on the low stone wall to the east of the Refugio mission. The Texians engaged the enemy from extended ranges down to hand to hand combat.
Stage 4: Battle of Coleto
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Colonel James W. Fannin and his brigade are in retreat when their overloaded carts start to break down. With little water, the Texan forces form a square 3 ranks deep and fend off three Mexican attacks. Making effective use of their bayonets, multiple muskets, and nine cannons, the Texians prevent the Mexicans each time from breaking the square. With night upon them sharpshooters from both sides begin to show their effectiveness.
Stage 5: Battle of San Jacinto
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Mexican soldiers are retreating through the marsh to Peggy Lake, but Texian riflemen have stationed themselves on the banks in the thick oaks and are shooting at anything that moves. Many Texian officers, including Sam Houston and Thomas Rusk, attempted to stop the slaughter, but they were unable to gain control of the men, incensed and vengeful for the massacres at the Alamo and Goliad. "Remember the Alamo! Remember La Bahia!"
