Lone Star Navy: Texas, the Fight for the Gulf of Mexico, and the Shaping of the American West

by Jonathan W. Jordan

**WINNER OF THE 2007 UNITED STATES MARITIME LITERATURE AWARD** In the 1830s, Mexico endured a tragic era of internal political instability. Meanwhile, bold American frontiersmen sought their fortunes beyond the borders of the United States, with many settling in the Mexican territory of Texas. In 1835, these transplanted Americans led a revolt against Texas's embattled rulers in Mexico City. Lone Star Navy chronicles the little fleet of wooden warships, bought on credit by an impoverished band of revolutionaries and sent to sea on a singular to win Texas's independence from Mexico. Beginning with four small sailing vessels, the upstart flotilla became a vital counterpart to Texan armies fighting for an independent republic. Indeed, Capt. Jeremiah Brown's naval battle off Matamoros in April 1836 helped save the fledgling republic from a premature end. But even as it battled for independence on the Gulf of Mexico, the Texas navy came under attack from unexpected enemies. The same fierce individuality that led Texans to shake off their Mexican rulers also stymied their efforts to govern themselves with any consensus. Lauded by its advocates as strategically vital and ridiculed by its detractors as a farcical waste of money, the navy became a flashpoint in a clash of visions. Denied adequate funding, sailors and officers suffered long periods without pay, and their vessels fell into chronic disrepair, but they still defended their small nation's fortunes.The decrepit remains of the battle-scarred fleet finally fell into American hands when Texas, in need of a strong ally, was annexed by the United States in 1845. The Mexican government prophesied that relinquishing Texas would lead to the loss of its other northern territories. And, indeed, the Mexican War and the U.S. acquisition of New Mexico, Arizona, California, and parts of Utah, Colorado, and Nevada soon followed.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

397 pages, Paperback

First published December 24, 2005

About the author

A native of Savannah, Georgia, Jon grew up on Air Force bases, from which his father flew C-141 Starlifters for the Military Air Command during the Vietnam War. He lived in New Jersey, Ohio, and the Philippines until 1976, when his family moved to Selma, Alabama. Jon obtained an accounting degree from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama and his law degree from Vanderbilt University. He practiced law in Texas for nine years before moving to Marietta, Georgia. He lives in Marietta with his wife, Kate, and their three children. He currently practices commercial litigation and corporate bankruptcy law at the Atlanta-based firm King & Spalding LLP.

Reviews

[Porter Broyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books, but it is not for everyone.

Lone Star Navy combines two of my areas of interest into one book---Naval History and Texas History.

When I picked it up, I really did not have high expectations for it, but it turned out to be one of those books where I learned something new on just about every page.

Jordan writes a convincing argument that the Texas Navy played a bigger role in the Texas Revolution and subsequent Texas Republic than has been historically recognized. While Sam Houston was leading troops to San Jacinto, the Texas Navy stopped Mexican ships from reinforcing the Mexican Army and protected the Galveston Harbor. Without the reinforcements and supplies, the Mexican army was forced to retreat after San Jacinto.

Later, while the Federalist and the Centralist in Mexico were fighting, the Texas Navy helped the Federalist. The Yucatan State eventually reconciled with Mexico, but the battle helped to prevent a Mexican invasion of Texas.

Jordan's book challenges many of the traditional interpretations of the period---going so far as to make a plausible argument that the Texas Navy had an impact on the peaceful settlement of the Washington/Canadian border under Polk!

One of the surprising elements of the book was the fact that Sam Houston is an antagonist. Houston did not understand or appreciate the role the Navy plays. In planning his defenses against a Mexican invasion, he didn't simply fail to incorporate the Navy in his planning, but he ordered it not to engage. (Commodore Moore convinced the person who delivered the orders to ignore them and to engage the Mexican Navy, but I don't want to spoil that story.)

This book is not for everyone. It is really targetted towards the Texas History buff who can understand the larger picture of what is going on in Texas at the time. I also think Naval/Military history fans would really enjoy this book.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read on a little remembered part of history. The more I read about the time period and area, the more I am amazed that Texas isn't still a part of Mexico. Seems like few people had any idea what they were doing and pure luck was often the deciding factor as nobody seemed to be able to work with anyone else generally. Good read for people interested in naval or Texas history.

[SA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit that this book started kind of "slow" for me. The book is what it advertises itself as, a "naval history." My perspective and desire for reading the book was more for Texas History. As such, the specific jargon and certain details found me a bit disinterested while simultaneously curious.

With all this stated, the action seems to pick up considerably as the Texas Navy comes to be and gets more action in the Gulf. The author does a fine job of narrating the very intriguing events that the Texas Navy was ultimately involved in. The account is thoroughly detailed and clearly diligently researched. He also does well to present the bigger picture and moving parts, integrating global foreign policy concerns and giving a broader context to the disputes between the Republic of Texas and Mexico.

Harkening back to my initial point, I knew I'd be happy at some point that I read this book, simply to be better acquainted with the history. But I can say with complete candor that I thoroughly enjoyed the author's narration, particularly from the point where Cmdr. Moore took over the reigns of the navy.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an eye-opener.

I found this very well-documented for such an obscure subject, the author submitted very nice evidence such as pictures of artifacts, paper money and promissory notes, etc. I just took the cruise from Galveston to Cozumel. The Gulf is a huge body of water. I had no idea Texas had a "Navy" or that it had influenced anything at all. Great glossary of naval terms and notes.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I prefer reading history books with a specific research goal, so I mostly skimmed this book, but it seemed very thorough and was a smooth, not-too-dry read. Definitely a little-known topic I would encourage more Texans and history fans to learn more about!