Mexican General Santa Anna's army surrounded the Alamo mission in San Antonio, beginning a 13-day siege that became a rallying cry for Texas independence.

Delegates at Washington-on-the-Brazos signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, severing ties with Mexico and founding the Republic of Texas.

Mexican General Santa Anna's forces stormed the Alamo mission in San Antonio after a 13-day siege, killing all roughly 189 Texan defenders.

Samuel Colt receives a United States patent for his revolving-cylinder firearm mechanism, a design that would transform small arms manufacturing and warfare.

The Washington National Monument Society formally selected Robert Mills's obelisk design, setting in motion decades of fundraising and construction delays.

Texan forces under Sam Houston routed the Mexican army in an 18-minute battle, capturing General Santa Anna and securing Texas independence.

President Andrew Jackson signed the Patent Act of 1836, creating the modern U.S. Patent Office and requiring formal examination of inventions for novelty.

John Marshall's rival and fellow founding-era jurist William Johnson aside, Chief Justice John Marshall—architect of American judicial review—died, ending a 34-year tenure.

HMS Beagle, carrying Charles Darwin, completed its historic five-year survey voyage, docking at Falmouth after gathering evidence that would reshape biology.