The 1826 Fredonian Rebbelion
On December 16th, 1826, Benjamin Edwards went to Nagadoches, declaring independence on it with an new red and white flag. It is believed that the words independence, liberty, and justice were written on this flag. They used the building Old Stone Fort, and overthrew the alcalde (a mayor with judicial powers). They claimed it as the capitol of Fredonia, their new nation. When Mexican officials heard about this, they were furious. They sent Lieutenant Colonel Mateo Ahumada to end it. Stephen F. Austin was worried it would be a bad influence on colonists in Texas, so he sided with the Mexicans. Austin's army and the Mexican's army met up in San Felipe. Together they charged in to Nagadoches. In January 1827, the conflict ended. The Fredonians surrendered before they even got there. The result of this conflict was the Mexican government to be more concerned about what was happening to Texas.