The Red Rovers, commonly referred to as the Alabama Red Rovers, was a military volunteer company organized in Courtland, Alabama to support the Texas Revolution.

[1] Raised by doctor and planter Jack Shackelford in November 1835, the unit took its name from the red jeans of their uniforms and was outfitted with equipment from Alabama state arsenal.

After arriving at Lavaca Bay on January 19, 1836, and being accepted into Texas service on February 3, the Red Rovers were put under command of Colonel James W.

[2] They fought in the Battle of Coleto on March 19–20, performing well, but the Texians were overrun and ultimately forced to surrender.

[1] The Red Rovers are primarily commemorated for their tragic role as victims of the Goliad Massacre.

In this devastating event, a substantial majority of the band, as well as approximately 400 men of the Texan army, met their demise following an order issued by Mexican President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna which ordered General José de Urrea to execute any Texan he came across.

As a result, the majority of the Red Rovers, including two of Shackelford's sons, were killed in the Goliad massacre on March 27, 1836, along with hundreds of others.

Shackelford himself was spared execution since his skills as a doctor could be used to treat Mexican soldiers.

[3] Four of the men, Zachariah S. Brooks, Dillard Cooper, Isaac D. Hamilton, and Wilson Simpson, escaped the slaughter.

The four men traveled together at night to avoid capture and eventually found their way to other Texas forces and safety.

The Red Rovers endure a lasting legacy celebrated through a range of events, festivals, and historical reenactments.

Among these, Captain Shackelford's Company of the Alabama Red Rovers stands out as a Texas-based assembly of Living Historians and Re-enactors dedicated to portraying the era of the Texas Revolution.

[4] The group not only engages in immersive living history experiences but also pays tribute to the military band's significance.

[5] This marker, erected in 1964, serves as a testament to the unit's contributions, featuring the names of the men who valiantly fought with the militia during that pivotal period.

The Alabama Red Rovers and the Goliad Campaign are noteworthy not only for their historical significance but also for the exemplary demonstration of leadership skills by the commanders, notably Dr. Jack Shackelford.

The enduring qualities of 'duty' and 'loyalty' frequently characterize the service of these men, with these themes resonating throughout the battle.

The United States military and its officers, in particular, have drawn inspiration from the lessons exemplified in the Goliad Campaign, often referencing the steadfast commitment to duty and loyalty displayed by its commanders and soldiers.