The Battle of Concepción was an early engagement of the Texas Revolution, fought on October 28, 1835, near Mission Concepción on the outskirts of present-day San Antonio, Texas. It is remembered as one of the first significant victories for the Texian (revolutionary) forces and a key morale booster in their struggle against Mexico.
Background
In the fall of 1835, Texian forces began concentrating around San Antonio de Béxar, the center of Mexican military power in Texas. General Martín Perfecto de Cos, the Mexican commander, had fortified the town with several hundred troops. The Texians, numbering about 400 men, sought to cut off supplies and gradually tighten their position.
Colonel James Bowie and Captain James Fannin were ordered to scout a campsite near Mission Concepción, three miles below San Antonio. With about 90 soldiers, they selected a position along the San Antonio River, where thick woods and natural cover provided strong defensive advantages.
The Battle
On the morning of October 28, 1835, Mexican forces under Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea advanced against the Texian camp. The Mexican force consisted of around 275 to 300 soldiers, including cavalry, infantry, and two small artillery pieces.
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The Texians were positioned in a wooded horseshoe bend of the San Antonio River, using trees and undergrowth for cover.
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As the Mexican troops attacked, the Texians opened fire with their long rifles, delivering accurate volleys that inflicted heavy casualties.
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Attempts by Mexican cavalry to dislodge the Texians failed, as the wooded terrain prevented effective charges.
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Mexican artillery also proved ineffective, with most shots sailing over the Texian positions.
The engagement lasted about 30 minutes to one hour. By the end, the Mexicans had suffered significant losses, estimated between 14 and 76 killed and several more wounded. The Texians reported only 1 killed and 1 wounded.
Commanders and Leaders
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Texian forces: Colonel James Bowie and Captain James Fannin
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Mexican forces: Colonel Domingo de Ugartechea (field commander) under the authority of General Martín Perfecto de Cos
Strength and Casualties
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Texian forces: ~90 men
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Casualties: 1 killed, 1 wounded
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Mexican forces: ~275–300 men
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Casualties: between 14 and 76 killed, plus additional wounded
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Significance
The Texian victory at Concepción was the first major success in open combat against the Mexican army. Several factors made the battle important:
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It proved the effectiveness of Texian riflemen, whose marksmanship and use of terrain gave them a strong advantage over Mexican troops.
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It boosted Texian morale, encouraging more volunteers to join the cause.
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It weakened Mexican confidence in their ability to quickly suppress the rebellion.
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Although the battle did not immediately secure San Antonio, it set the stage for the Siege of Béxar (December 1835), in which Texian forces eventually forced General Cos to surrender and retreat from Texas.
Result
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Outcome: Texian victory
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Immediate effect: Raised Texian confidence and encouraged continued offensive operations around San Antonio.
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Long-term effect: Contributed directly to the success of the Siege of Béxar, the first major campaign of the Texas Revolution.
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