The Sons of the Republic of Texas: Sam Houston Chapter

06/07/2026

Had a wonderful time with my DRT sisters, the Alsatian Pioneers Chapter and the leadership of the new SRT Henri Castro Chapter where I gave my presentation on my qualifying ancestor titled “Joseph Burell Et Al: Through a Researcher’s Eyes”. My 2nd Great Grandfather Joseph Burell was one of the founding men of Castroville. And as a bonus I got to visit with about eight cousins all members of the DRT.

06/03/2026

This page is intended to chronicle the ongoing activities of The Sons of the Republic of Texas’ Sam Houston Chapter located in Katy, Texas as we continue to tell the story of both the Republic of Texas and the great State of Texas, as well as our ancestors who built the foundation we all stand upon now. God Bless Texas and thank you everyone for your support! 🎉

05/24/2026

Spent the day on a road-trip through deep East Texas. Hwy 21 is certainly one of the most history rich roads in Texas especially with its association with the El Camino Real de los Tejas trail. Found a marker alongside Hwy 21 marking the location of the Battle of Fredonia during the 1826 Fredonian Rebellion and visited the Lobanillo Swales. Plenty of history in East Texas, it’s not only at The Alamo or San Jacinto!!

05/18/2026

We had a great meeting Saturday with guest speaker Chris Kneupper delivering an incredible presentation about Thomas F. McKinney who was the key figure in establishing the first Texas Navy in 1835. The navy’s efforts directly contributed to our victory at San Jacinto. Chris Kneupper’s research is available at https://velascohistoryarcheology.weebly.com

05/01/2026

A motley crue descended upon San Felipe de Austin this evening for their monthly installment of History at Night featuring our good friend Derrick Birdsall from the Sam Houston Library and Republic of Texas Presidential Library in Huntsville. We heard a great talk about our Chapter’s namesake, Sam Houston.

L to R: Bart Dawson, Patrick Burell, Derrick Birdsall, Rick Giuffre, and Jordan Anderson.

04/24/2026

The Sam Houston Chapter once again had the honor and privilege of bestowing our Bobby R. Smith USS San Jacinto Scholarship on a deserving, graduating senior from the Katy ISD NJROTC based at Mayde Creek High School in Katy. Congratulations to our 2026 recipient Cadet Salma Valencia. Cadet Valencia was a highly decorated member of the NJROTC and served as its XO. After graduation in May, she plans to attend the Maritime Academy at Texas A&M-Galveston. We wish her the best moving forward!

04/21/2026

Happy San Jacinto Day!!! 190 years ago, the world changed and it would never be the same again

04/19/2026

Our Chapter enjoyed joining with other compatriots this weekend in Waco for the 104th annual meeting of The Sons of the Republic of Texas. We elected a new President General as well as inducted two compatriots into The Knights of the Order of San Jacinto. A great weekend was had by all.

04/11/2026

We had a strong turnout today for the 40th annual Katy ISD Folklife Festival. A mix of sun and showers didn’t keep the community away. Spoke to many about their Texas ancestors.

04/01/2026

The Sons of the Republic of Texas will also present their annual Texas History essay contest winners with scholarships.

190 years ago, history changed forever.
Join us as we commemorate the 190th anniversary of the Battle of San Jacinto at the official San Jacinto Day Ceremony.
📍 San Jacinto Monument
📅 Tuesday, April 21, 2026
⏰ 11:00 A.M.
Featuring keynote speaker, The Honorable Trisha S. Pollard, presenting “Sam Houston Trail.”
Stand where history happened. Honor those who shaped Texas. Experience the legacy that still defines us today.
For more information: [email protected]