Program

Hometown Heritage®

Subject

Event, People

Location

970 GA-22, Roberta, GA 31078, USA

Lat/Long

32.724584763731, -83.99776298736

Grant Recipient

Crawford County Historical Society

On November 9, 1835, citizens in Macon, Georgia, convened a town meeting to formally express support for the Texas Revolution, which had begun the previous month as settlers protested Mexican immigration bans and tariffs. Local press reported that thirty volunteers committed to the cause during this gathering, prompting the observation that the “spirit of ’76” remained alive in those willing to combat tyranny beyond their own borders. Under the command of Colonel William Ward, the group prepared for an organized departure on November 18. The meeting featured several prominent speakers, including recent West Point graduate Lieutenant Hugh McLeod, who argued that the Texan struggle required active soldiers rather than mere resolutions.

The volunteers carried a lone star flag sewn by local resident Joanna Troutman, an emblem that served as a precursor to the modern Texas state flag. This banner was later raised by Colonel James Fannin at Goliad to mark the signing of the Texas Declaration of Independence on March 2, 1836. As the battalion traveled toward Texas, its ranks swelled with additional Georgian volunteers, eventually totaling approximately 120 men who joined the revolutionary forces under Fannin’s leadership.

On March 15, 1836, the Georgia Battalion was captured by Mexican forces at the Battle of Refugio. Although the men surrendered with the expectation of being held as prisoners of war at Goliad, Mexican President Santa Anna ordered their execution. Despite General José de Urrea’s earlier assurances of civil treatment, the Mexican army carried out the orders in an event now recognized as the Goliad Massacre. Over 400 soldiers were killed, including the Georgia Battalion.