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THE URREA
OAKS
Refugio County
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The
Urrea Oak
Photo by John Troesser, 2000 |
In
March of 1836 the forces of General Urrea made camp under these oaks.
Colonists at Refugio had left at the approach of the Mexican Army
but a shortage of wagons kept some from making the trip to safety
at Goliad. Captain Amon King with 30 men was sent by Fannin to evacuate
the remaining colonists.
On March 11 the evacuees took refuge in the mission (the Present Our
Lady of Refuge Church) and King and his men went to harass the enemy.
Fording the river, the were repulsed by the Mexican cavalry and forced
to re-cross the river under cover of darkness. Their powder was wet
in the process and they had no choice but to surrender when spotted
by the Mexicans.
The colonists had escaped under the protection of William Ward and
General Urrea was not pleased. King and his men were shot and their
bodies heaped in a pile about a mile from the Mission. |
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The Statue Honoring Amon King and his Command
TE Photo October 2003 |
A
statue honoring King and his men was commissioned and erected across
from the Refugio
County courthouse. The statue is by French born sculptor Raoul
Josset who worked on several statues honoring various Texas heroes.
The Goliad
Massacre of Fannin and his men took place a little over two weeks
later on March 27, 1836.
© John Troesser |
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