Third Annual Republic of Texas Museum Symposium

At the request of the Republic of Texas Museum Committee, Senator Paul Bettencourt introduced Senate Resolution 257 declaring February 23, 2017 as “La Belle Day,” which was accepted and passed by the Senate.

The La Belle ship recovery is said to have changed the history of our state as France’s failed expedition encouraged Spain and Mexico to increase their expeditions and settlements to the territory north of Mexico.

A wreath-laying ceremony and the Third Annual Republic of Texas Museum Symposium were held on La Belle Day at the Texas State Cemetery Gallery. Topics discussed at the symposium included the discovery and excavation of La Salle’s shipwreck (presented by Dr. James Bruseth); the Battle of Medina, the bloodiest fight of the Texas Revolution (presented by Al McGraw); and the recent archeological investigation of a site in Wharton County where soldiers who fought in the Battle of San Jacinto camped (presented by Dr. Gregg Dimmick, who is pictured above).