THE SONG “The Yellow Rose of Texas” is familiar to many Texans, but the story of Emily West, the women behind the lyrics, is far less known. Emily West was a free Black woman who arrived in Texas in 1835 to work as an indentured servant at the New Washington Association’s hotel in Morgan’s Point. However, she hasn’t even been in Texas for six months before being taken captive by the Mexican army.
While the stories about Emily West and General Santa Anna are a later, fictional addition to her story, West's grit and determination to survive the Texas Revolution is full of Texas spirit. Learn more about the real story of Emily West and make your own yellow rose out of tissue paper in her honor.
When: Saturday, September 30; drop in between 12:00 noon and 3:00 p.m.
Where: San Jacinto Museum
Age Range: Kids 5+; younger children are welcome, but will need to have an adult to help.
Cost: Free with purchase of ticket to the San Jacinto Museum.
Note: This program is different from the History Under the Star lecture titled The Yellow Rose of Texas – The Song, Emily West and the Great Texas Myth, which will be held at the San Jacinto Museum at 5:00 p.m. the same day.