26 Great Susanna Dickinson Facts
Susanna Dickinson, an iconic figure in American history, is known for her survival of the infamous Battle of the Alamo and her crucial role in the Texas Revolution. Her life story is a blend of courage, tragedy, and resilience. Here are 26 fascinating facts about Susanna Dickinson that shed light on her legacy.
Early Life and Family
1. Susanna Wilkerson was born in 1814 in Tennessee.
2. In 1829, at the tender age of 15, she married Almaron Dickinson, and they moved to Gonzales, Texas.
3. Susanna and Almaron had one daughter, Angelina, who was famously known as the Babe of the Alamo.
Surviving the Alamo
4. Susanna and her daughter were among the few Anglo survivors of the Battle of the Alamo in 1836.
5. She was inside the Alamo during the 13-day siege and witnessed the horrors of war firsthand.
6. After the battle, Susanna was interviewed by General Santa Anna himself, who was fascinated by her story.
7. Santa Anna released her, allowing her to travel to Sam Houston’s camp to inform him of the Alamo’s fall, playing a pivotal role in Texas history.
Life After the Alamo
8. Following her husband’s death at the Alamo, Susanna faced financial and personal challenges.
9. She remarried several times after Almaron’s death and had more children.
10. Susanna lived in several Texas cities throughout her life, including Houston and Austin.
11. She received a land grant from the Texas government for her husband’s service and sacrifice at the Alamo.
12. Despite the trauma she experienced, Susanna lived a long life, passing away in 1883 at the age of 68.
Legacy and Memory
13. Susanna Dickinson’s eyewitness account provided invaluable insights into the Battle of the Alamo and the events that unfolded.
14. Her story has been depicted in books, movies, and plays, contributing to the legendary status of the Alamo in American history.
15. The city of Dickinson, Texas, is named in honor of her husband, Almaron Dickinson.
16. Several monuments and historical markers have been erected in her memory.
17. Susanna was inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame, recognizing her as a symbol of courage and resilience.
Interesting Facts
18. Despite her significance, many details of Susanna’s life remain shrouded in mystery, leading to various interpretations of her story.
19. She was one of the first women in Texas history to receive a land grant in her own name.
20. Susanna’s testimony about the Battle of the Alamo has been a subject of scholarly debate, with some historians questioning the accuracy of her account.
21. After the Texas Revolution, she worked to rebuild her life, at times running an inn and boarding house to make ends meet.
22. Susanna’s daughter, Angelina, was named after the Angelina River in Texas, a reflection of the family’s deep ties to the region.
23. She was known for her strong will and independence, character traits that helped her navigate the challenges of life on the frontier.
24. Despite her historical significance, Susanna Dickinson’s grave went unmarked until 1905.
25. Her legacy is often overshadowed by the male heroes of the Alamo, yet her story offers a unique perspective on the struggle for Texan independence.
26. Today, Susanna Dickinson is remembered not only as a survivor of the Alamo but as a pioneering woman who embodied the spirit of Texas.
Susanna Dickinson’s life story is a poignant reminder of the human aspects behind historical events. Her resilience in the face of adversity, pioneering spirit, and contributions to Texas history ensure her place as a key figure in the narrative of the American frontier.
