Texas History – Who is Known as the Yellow Rose of Texas?

The song “The Yellow Rose of Texas” is about Emily D. West (also known as Emily Morgan). Emily was an indentured servant on the Morgan plantation. As a result of her mixed ancestry, she had a light skin color, which is why the song makes reference to her as yellow. In 1836, Emily was seized by Mexican forces during the looting of Galveston. According to the legend, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, President of Mexico and commander of the Mexican army, took a liking to Emily, and she became one of his sexual partners. The legend credits her seduction of Santa Anna with lowering the guard of the Mexican army and facilitating the Texans’ victory in the 1839 Battle of San Jacinto, near present-day Houston. Santa Anna’s opponent was General Sam Houston, who literally won the battle in minutes, and with almost no casualties.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Stephen A. Mendel, Estate Planning Attorney

Mr. Stephen Mendel is an attorney who focuses a substantial part of his practice on estate planning. Mr. Mendel’s guiding principle is to provide his clients with quality legal services tailored to each client’s specific needs and goals.

Latest posts by Stephen A. Mendel, Estate Planning Attorney (see all)

• Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Nelson Mandela - September 27, 2019
• Famous Estates-Champ or Chump? Jane Fonda - September 13, 2019
• Texas Trivia – Name the first of six flags to fly over Texas. - September 6, 2019