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Story from the Old West

March 31, 2024 |

Herman Ehrenberg

Herman Ehrenberg (October 17, 1816 – October 9, 1866) was a surveyor and Texian soldier who was one of the few survivors of the Goliad Massacre. During his escape, he purportedly yelled, "The Republic of Texas forever!" which popularized the catchphrase "Texas forever!".

A native of Germany, Ehrenberg joined the military volunteer unit the New Orleans Greys and fought against Mexico in the Texas Revolution. His memoirs of the Revolution were published in Germany in the 1840s and translated into English in the 20th century.

Ehrenberg created the first map of the Gadsden Purchase. Ehrenberg, Arizona, is his namesake.

Texas Blood: Herman Ehrenberg's Odyssey in the Texas Revolution

More than an eyewitness, Ehrenberg relates the details of the fall of the Alamo and the defeat of Santa Anna at San Jacinto as told to him by his contemporaries at the time. He brings us details of life on the Texas frontier, and the conditions of service in the Texas army. His is one of the rare accounts that, as the old expression goes, brings history alive. Herman Ehrenberg published his epic story in 1843, in German. It was translated into English in 1925, then left to languish in a thesis collection at the University of Texas. Though diligent scholars have referred to the work for decades, this is the first full English translation of Ehrenberg’s work designed for easy access by history buffs and academics alike.


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