Vince’s Bridge: How One Bridge Lies at the Center of Texas’s Independence

Vince’s Bridge: How One Bridge Lies at the Center of Texas’s Independence explores the little known but strategically critical role of a modest wooden bridge in the outcome of the Texas Revolution. Constructed in the 1820s by Allen and William Vince, members of Stephen F. Austin’s “Old Three Hundred,” the bridge was originally intended to support ranching operations. Yet on April 21, 1836, General Sam Houston ordered its destruction, effectively trapping Mexican General Santa Anna and preventing reinforcements during the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. Drawing from historical accounts, cartographic analysis, and structural engineering principles, this article reconstructs the likely design, materials, and load capacity of the bridge. It argues that the Vinces, though untrained in formal engineering, created a structure of remarkable durability, capable of supporting ox drawn wagons and the famed Twin Sisters cannons. By combining narrative history with technical insight, this piece reframes Vince’s Bridge not only as a military asset but as an early example of civil engineering contributing to the birth of a republic.

To read more about how one bridge lies at the center of Texas’s independence, please take a look at the full article below.