A battle for independence

 Being born in Texas (though raised mostly in St. Louis MO - but that doesn't count) I have Texas blood in my veins. Literally. My ancestors were among the first to settle in Texas before it became a state...back when Mexico was welcoming American settlers.

They fought against Mexico with the result that Texas gained independence...kind of a country in itself. The last battle was at San Jacinto, TX, led by Sam Houston, on April 21, 1836. 

This is a photo of the last meeting of the survivors of the Battle of San Jacinto. It was taken in Goliad on 21 April, 1906, 70 years after the battle that won Texas independence. The men are, from left, William P. Zuber, Austin; John W. Darlington, Taylor; Asa C. Hill, Oakville; Stephen F. Sparks, Rockport; L. T. Lawler, Florence; Alphonso Steele, Mexia. As noted earlier, Zuber was the last man remaining survivor, dying in 1913. Alphonso Steele was the second to last, passing away on July 8, 1911.

Thanks to Traces of Texas facebook group in 2018.

No, I don't think any ancestors of mine were in the battle.

Texas wasn't admitted to the United States until 1845. So it was an independent country with ambassadors to and from the US between 1836 and 1845.