137. Rediscovering San Antonio’s Forgotten Battle

This week on bigcitysmalltown, host Bob Rivard speaks with Brandon Seale, a San Antonio-based energy entrepreneur and historian, about one of Texas’s most consequential yet least understood events: the 1813 Battle of Medina. Seale discusses his years-long efforts to locate the lost battlefield and the surprising discoveries that are reshaping the historical understanding of early Texas.

Bob and Brandon trace how an executive leading cross-border energy projects became deeply invested in uncovering the stories that shaped San Antonio’s identity, especially during the Mexican War of Independence era. From the multidisciplinary search for the Medina battlefield—combining archival research, metal detecting, and veteran-led archaeological surveying—to the broader challenges of public memory and historical trauma, the conversation explores the lasting impact of forgotten chapters in Texas history.

They cover:

• The latest developments in the quest to confirm the Battle of Medina’s location

• Why the Battle of Medina has been largely left out of public consciousness

• The historical trauma and political complexities that have obscured the story for generations

• The collaborative efforts between local historical commissions, archaeologists, and veteran organizations to recover artifacts and restore the battle’s narrative

• How new scholarship and public projects—like a forthcoming documentary and legislative initiatives—are bringing renewed attention to this pivotal moment

• The connections between San Antonio’s unique past, its indigenous roots, and ongoing efforts to reflect a more complete history in educational and cultural institutions

This episode offers an in-depth look at how San Antonio’s history is being actively rediscovered—and reconsidered—for a new generation. You can find Brandon’s podcast and other work at brandonseale.com 

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