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Originally conceived as a folksong in early Colonial Texas history, the first recorded copy of the “Yellow Rose of Texas” was handwritten on a piece of plain paper circa 1836 by an unknown author. Historical records indicate this copy was most probably transcribed around the time General Sam Houston lead his brigade of Texas loyalists against the army of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna at the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836.

The folksong tells of a black soldier who left his sweetheart (a “yellow rose”) and yearns to return to her side although other sources think the song refers to General Santa Anna's mulatto girlfriend, who stole his battle plans before the battle of San Jacinto and delivered them to the American army.

In 1858, the first copyrighted edition of the song was published in New York. The cover states the song was “Composed and Arranged Expressly for Charles H. Brown by J.K.”

As the American Civil War began, it was adopted as a marching song by soldiers everywhere, especially those in Texas.  Finally, in 1864 with the end of the war nearing, a fourth stanza was added to reflect the dismay and hopelessness of General John B. Hood’s retreating Confederate Army after a disastrous Tennessee campaign.  Some of his troops were so disoriented after the loss, they thought the war may be over and started returning home - singing, of course, “Yellow Rose of Texas.”  After the war, the song grew in popularity with the U.S. Cavalry on western outposts and along the cattle trails and became a hit song in 1955.

Words and Music by Jimmy Davis and Charles Mitchell

and Copyright 1940 and 1977 by Peer International Corporation. 

Jimmie Davis was a country gospel singer who later served two terms as governor of Louisiana in the mid 1940's and early 1960's.  The song is the official song of the State of Louisiana.