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Jose De UrreaMexican warlord
Date of Birth: 14.03.1797
Country:  Mexico |
Content:
- José de Urrea: Mexican General of the Texas Revolution
- 1829-1835: Return to the Mexican Army
- The Texas Revolution
- 1836: Santa Anna's Defeat and Withdrawal
- Later Career
- 1838-1847: Imprisonment and Return
- 1846-1847: Mexican-American War
José de Urrea: Mexican General of the Texas Revolution
Early Life and Military Career1807-1824: The Spanish Army
José de Urrea was born in El Presidio de San Agustín de Tucson (present-day Tucson, Arizona). Despite his northern roots, his family had deep connections to Durango, Mexico. In 1807, he joined the Spanish army, rising to the rank of captain by 1824. However, he resigned due to family circumstances.
1829-1835: Return to the Mexican Army
In 1829, Urrea returned to the army as a major and assisted in the liberation of Durango from Spanish rule alongside Antonio López de Santa Anna. For these actions, he was promoted to colonel. In 1835, he reluctantly suppressed a rebellion in Zacatecas that hindered Santa Anna's rise to power, earning the rank of brigadier general.
The Texas Revolution
1835-1836: Commander in TexasDuring the Texas Revolution, Urrea led a column of the Army of Operations in Texas. His mission was to regain control of the Texas coastline and its supply lines to Mexico. His column defeated Texan forces in the battles of San Patricio, Refugio, and Coleto Creek. The latter became known as the "Goliad Massacre" when all Texan prisoners were later executed. This act was not ordered by Urrea, who had attempted to spare their lives, but was demanded by Santa Anna.
1836: Santa Anna's Defeat and Withdrawal
Urrea's string of victories led Santa Anna to delay his departure from Texas to personally crush the Texan rebellion and enhance his political prestige. However, the Mexican defeat at the Battle of San Jacinto and Santa Anna's capture forced him to order the withdrawal of Mexican forces from Texas.
Later Career
1837: Rebellion Against Santa AnnaOutraged by Santa Anna's surrender, Urrea joined forces with General Vicente Filisola and sought to continue the war against Texas. Despite a numerical advantage, Santa Anna's orders forbade further action.
1838-1847: Imprisonment and Return
In 1837, Urrea rebelled against Santa Anna and fought against his forces at the Battle of Mazatlán in 1838, suffering a defeat. He was arrested and imprisoned at Perote. In 1839, he was released to fight against a French invasion. However, another attempted coup attempt resulted in his return to prison.
1846-1847: Mexican-American War
During the Mexican-American War, Urrea commanded a cavalry division. Shortly after the war, he died of cholera.
