Texas fact: The first Declaration of Independence of the State of Texas was written and signed April 6, 1813, by a group of American filibusters called the American Volunteers and led by Samuel Kemper.
This happened at a place which was destined to become a rallying cry of Texans for generations - the Alamo.
After a running battle with the Spanish army, the force of 850 American volunteers were surrounded at the Medina River.
In the same spirit of those who came after, they refused surrender or retreat.
Only 93 escaped death by eventually making their way across the Medina.