Ráfael Vásquez invades and briefly occupies San Antonio

Background. The Republic of Texas existed as a sovereign country from 1836 to 1846. It bordered Mexico to the west and southwest. The Texas Revolution began when hostilities broke out in October 1835. The 1842 incursion occurred during this period, representing the first invasion since the revolution.

The Incursion. General Rafael Vásquez, a Mexican military officer, led a force into Texas on March 5, 1842. The size of the force is reported as over 500 men in one source and about 700 men in another. The troops occupied San Antonio briefly before heading back to the Rio Grande.

Historical Context. San Antonio is a city in the southern part of Texas. The event occurred while Texas was a sovereign country. The invasion was the first such incursion since the Texas Revolution, which began in 1835. The Republic of Texas was bordered by Mexico to the west and southwest.