The famous Texas song is based on a legend from the days of the Texas War of Independence. Supposedly, a woman named Emily D. West was captured by Mexican forces during the looting of Galveston in 1836 and seduced General Antonio López de Santa Anna, President of Mexico and commander of the Mexican forces. The legend credits her supposed seduction with lowering the guard of the Mexican army, contributing to the Texan victory in the Battle of San Jacinto. The battle ended literally in minutes, with no Texan casualties. An interesting note, she was a mulatto, which is why the song references to her as being “yellow”. 

I know many of you are disappointed in this shot. No HDR, special effects or photo filters. Just a plain, straight shot.  I do get lucky sometimes; not to mention this was from my backyard too.
 

According to the legend, a woman named Emily D. West was captured by Mexican forces during the looting of Galveston in 1836 and seduced General Antonio López de Santa Anna, President of Mexico and commander of the Mexican forces. The legend credits her supposed seduction with lowering the guard of the Mexican army and facilitating the Texan victory in the Battle of San Jacinto. The battle ended literally in minutes and with no Texan casualties. An interesting note, she was a mulatto, which is why the song references to her as being yellow. Photo by Tim Stanley Photography.