The Lost War For Texas

The Lost War for Texas-Most Texans consider 1835 as the year that the Texas Revolution began, but the first Texas Revolution occurred in 1811. This conflict that was also far more deadly and much larger in scope than the 1835-1836 Texas Revolution. James Bernsen will discuss his book The Lost War for Texas, Mexican Rebels, American Burrites, and the Texas Revolution of 1811 at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, November 6 at the Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Dr. The prestigious Texas Institute of Letters announced that Mr. Bernsen is a recipient of their 2025 Literary Awards.

The Lost War for Texas describes a forgotten but pivotal event in Texas history. Mexico was seeking independence from the Spanish Empire. The future of the southwest was at a turning point. This compelling story will reshape how the history of Mexican, Texan and American history is weaved together.

The conflict consists of three phases: The Casas and Zambrano revolts of January-March 1811, the Gutiérrez-Magee Expedition of August 1812-April 1813, and the climactic Battle of Medina of August 1813.

Developing his sleuthing skills while serving as a counterintelligence officer in the U.S. Navy, Bernsen uncovered new material that connected this revolution with Aaron Burr supporters.

After 9/11, Bernsen joined the United States Navy as an intelligence officer and was deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. A graduate with distinction from the U.S. Naval War College, Bernsen has published in the Handbook of Texas, Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Texas Books in Review, and East Texas Historical Journal. He writes a blog at TexHist.com

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the program is free.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Allen Heritage Guild