Bexar County
Historical Markers |
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Numbers 12-14
Missions
Uncommemorated and Unmapped Sites
Frederick Law Olmsted, famed architect of Central Park, gives his first hand description of San Antonio around 1856 from his book A Journey Through Texas.
Marker Title: La Quinta de las Piedras (Miguel Menchaca
House)
Address: 19801 Scenic Loop Rd.
City: Helotes
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Text: Home of Miguel Menchaca, descendant of prominent Canary
Islanders who came to Texas 1731. Stone villa built in 1850's. In
its thick rock walls are "gun-slits" for observation, defense.
Spring under house supplied water in times of siege. Recorded Texas
Historic Landmark, 1965.
Marker Title: Arsenal Magazine
Address: 646 S. Main
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1977
Marker Text: At the urging of United States Secretary of War Jefferson
Davis, land was secured at San Antonio in 1858 for an arsenal. In
1859, the State of Texas added 16 acres, and the arsenal became headquarters
for the U.S. Army's department of Texas. Under construction when the
Civil War (1861-65) began, this magazine was included in Federal property
surrendered in 1861. The building was completed for Confederate Texas
by local contractor J.H. Kampmann. Carefully spaced vents and cavities
in the walls permitted air circulation and reduced the danger of sparks
igniting stored gunpowder. The arsenal supplied arms for south Texas
and frontier defense, as well as the Sibley expedition to New Mexico
in 1862. Reoccupied by Federal forces in 1865, this became the principal
supply depot for the line of Forts defending frontier settlements.
It served the U.S. Army until 1947, when the Arsenal was closed. The
long, narrow one-story structure features walls of extremely thick
ashlar limestone construction. Details include end gables extended
above the roofline, lintels which protrude as hood molds, and date
stone in relief over the side entry.
Marker Title: Moses Austin
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: City Hall, Military Plaza, San Antonio
Marker Text: (Front) Born in Connecticut, October fourth 1761; moved
to Philadephia in 1783. Thence to Virginia in 1785 and to Missouri
in San Antonio on December 23, 1820. Died in Missouri June 10, 1821.
(Right) Moses Austin here petitioned the Spanish authorties for the
right to bring three-hundred families to Texas and returned to MIssouri
to wait the answer. (Back) Exposure and exhaustion during his Texas
journey caused his death a few days after receiving notification that
his petition had been granted. His dying request was that his son
Stephen should carry out his vision. (Left) A man of vision, enterprise,
industry and indomitable energy...he most fittingly bequeathed the
realization of his plans to his more deliberate, patient, tactful
and diplomatic son. (1936)
Marker Title: Camp of Stephen F. Austin
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: US 87, Rigsby St., at front of Camanche Park, San
Antonio
Marker Text: Site of the camp of Stephen F. Austin (October 20-226,
1835) while assembling troops preparatory to the attack on the Mexican
garrison at San Antonio. After his appointment on November 12 as Commissioner
to the United States, the Texans, under Colonels Ben Milam and Frank
W. Johnson stormed and captured San Antonio, December 10, 1835. (1936)
Marker Title: Battle of Rosalis
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: SW Corner of W. W. White & Hilderbrandt roads,
San Antonio
Marker Text: In this vicinity the Battle of Rosalis was fought on
March 28, 1813. Here the "Republican Army of the North"
composed of Anglo-Americans, Mexicans and Indians defeated, with heavy
loss of life, Spanish Royalists troops commanded by Manuel de Salcedo,
Governor of Texas. The prisoners of war were brutally murdered shortly
afterwards by order of Colonel Bernardo Gutierrez. (1936)
Marker Title: Battle of the Alazan
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: 2300 W. Commerce, San Antonio
Marker Text: Fought in this vicinity June 20, 1813. One in chain of
clashes between Spanish Royalists and insurgent elements in Coahuila
and Texas, 1811-1813. Col. Ygnacio Elizondo was ordered to lead his
Spanish Royalists force to Frio River -- but no further. Instead,
the colonel, having changed sides twice since opening of hostilities
in 1810 and wanting to redeem his honor by reconquering province of
Texas for Spanish rule, came to the outskirts of San Antonio some
500 yards west of the Alazan. Underestimating enemy ability, he pitched
camp without precaution, neglected to post scouts for pickets. Only
2 bastions of 6 artillery pieces protected camp. Women, children were
allowed to mingle with troops. The republican army of the north was
in position about camp at sunrise; bounty-collecting Indians were
waiting to chase, capture, scalp runaway troops. Then, while Elizondo's
men were at Mass, the 2-hour battle began. With a solid green banner
for flag, the insurgent leader, Bernardo Gutierrez de Lara, led his
men through the very center of Spanish camp. Only those mounted on
fleet horses escaped. Elizondo, who had 2 horses shot from under him,
managed to catch up with remnants of his army some 15 miles from the
battlefield as they hurried to the Rio Grande (1967)
Marker Title: Battle of the Salado
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: 1006 Holbrook, San Antonio
Marker Text: The Battle of the Salado, decisive in Texas history,
was fought here September 18, 1842. Col. Mathew Caldwell and Capt.
John C. Hays, commanding a force of Texas volunteers, opposed the
Mexican Army under General Adrian Woll that had captured San Antonio,
and with the loss of only one man, checked the last Mexican invasion
of Texas and thereby prevented the capture of Austin, capital of the
Republic of Texas. (1936)
Marker Title: Hamilton P. Bee
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1963
Marker Location: City Cemetery #4, intersection of E. Commerce St.,
& JEB Stuart Way, San Antonio.
Marker Text: Secretary 1st Texas Senate, Legislator 1849. Speaker
of House 1854-1856. Served campaigns against Comanches. Lieutenant,
Cavalry, Mexican War 1846. Confederate presidential elector 1861.
Brigadier General State Militia 1861. Appointed same rank Confederate
Army 1862. In command Western District, Texas, keeping vital cotton
road open to Mexico. Led brigade and wounded Red River Campaign 1864
to stop invasion Texas. Served Indian Territory to keep Indians and
Federals in check. Returned to command cavalry division in Texas.
(1963)
Marker Title: Bexar County under Nine Governments
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: Courthouse grounds, faces entrance at bottom of steps,
south main & Nueva streets, San Antonio.
Marker Text: The administrative government of Bexar County, besides
being the oldest in Texas, is distinguished by having served under
nine governments. The community served under Spanish rule from May,
1718, until January, 1811, when it was taken over by the revolutionary
"Casas regime". Only five weeks later, the "counter-revoluationary
Junta of Bexar" overthrew the Casas government and eventually
restored Spanish rule. In April, 1812, however, the "Republican
Army of the North" deposed the provincial Spanish government
and declared independence from Spain. Five months later the Spanish
regained control, holding Texas until 1821. The fifth regime, "First
Imperial Government of Mexico" was created when Mexico gained
independence from Spain in 1821. The emperor relinquished control
to army leaders within two years, however, and the "Republic
of Mexico" was established. Texas gained independence from Mexico
in 1836, thereby establishing Bexar's seventh government, the "Republic
of Texas". In 1845, Texas became the twenty-eighth state of the
United States and remained in the Union until 1861, when the southern
states seceeded to from the Confederacy. Following the Civil War,
U.S. rule returned to Bexar County in 1865. (1967)
Museum Name: Bolivar Hall
Mailing Address: 418 Villita
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78205
Area Code: 210
Phone: 224-5711
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Canary Islanders
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1971
Marker Location: Main Plaza, NW Corner of courthouse lawn, San Antonio
Marker Text: Earliest civilian colonists of San Antonio, this nucleus
of pioneers from the Canary Islands formed the first organized civil
government in Texas and founded the village of San Fernando de Bexar
in 1731. Following a sea and land voyage of over a year, these weary
travelers arrived at the Presidio (Fort) of San Antonio early on March
9, 1731. Totaling 56 persons, they had emigrated to Texas from the
Spanish Canary Islands near Africa, by order of King Philip V. On
July 2, they began to lay out a villa (village), choosing a site on
the west side of the Plaza de las Islas (present Main Plaza) for the
church and a site on the east side for the Casa Reales (government
building). On July 9, the captain of the Presidio, Juan Antonio De
Almazan, read to the islanders the decee of the viceroy naming them
and their descendatns "Hijos Dalgos", persons of nobility.
The heads of the 16 families who settled in San Antonio were: Juan
Leal Goraz, Juan Curbelo, Juan Leal, Antonio Santos, Jose Padron,
Manuel De Nis, Vicente Alvarez Travieso, Salvador Rodriguez, Jose
Leal, Juan Delgado, Jose Cabrera, Juan Rodriguez Grandillo, Francisco
De Arocha, Antonio Rodriguez, Lorenzo and Martin De Armas, and Felipe
and Jose Antonio Perez. (1971)
Museum Name: Casa Navarro State Historical Park
Mailing Address: 228 S. Laredo St
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78207
Area Code: 210
Phone: 226-4801
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Casas Reales
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1971
Marker Location: Main Plaza, San Antonio (faces Markert St.)
Marker Text: On site chosen July 2, 1731, for "government houses"
by people of San Fernando de Bexar, including newly-arrived settlers
from the Canary Islands. Structure, erected 1742, had to be rebuilt
in 1779 by Don Jose Antonio Curbelo, alcalde of the Villa San Fernando
de Bexar. A jail was erected to the south in 1783. From commanding
position of Casas Reales on Main Plaza were read official proclamations,
to the roll of drums. A noted visitor in 1807 was Lt. Zebulon M. Pike,
freed after arrest on upper Rio Grande while exploring Louisiana Purchase
for the United States. Briefly in 1813 over the Cases Reales flew
the green flag of the rebel Republican Army of the North, formed to
free Mexico from Spain's rule. Aided by the Baron de Bastrop, Moses
Austin in December 1820 initiated the Anglo-American colonization
of Texas by filing his petition and plans with the governor and cabildo
(council) in Casas Reales. Santa Anna arrived here February 23, 1836,
to press the siege of the Alamo. The bloody "Council House Fight"
between Texian leaders and Comanche chiefs occurred here on March
19, 1840. The building served as municipal headquarters under Spanish,
Mexican, Republic of Texas, and American regimes, but were vacated
in 1850 by the city. (1971)
Marker Title: Casino Club
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Location: Directly east of the library on West Market St.,
San Antonio
Marker Text: Property of Casino Association, organized 1853 among
cultured German settlers. Clubhouse and opera building, erected 1858,
had a theater; a hall seating 700; banquet rooms; club rooms. Setting
during Civil War for military balls, entertainment, suppers; tableaux,
concerts and minstrel shows to benefit the Confederate cause; and
meetings of ladies to roll bandages. The owners obtained the best
artists of the day to perform here. In the 1850s one noted guest was
Col. Robert E. Lee. Later audiences included Gen. U. S. Grant and
Buffalo Bill. (1965)
Marker Title: John "Jack" Coker
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Location: SE corner of Coker Cemetery, at Coker United Methodist
Church, 231 E. Worth loop Rd. on West side of US Hwy. 281, San Antonio.
Marker Text: (May 10, 1789-Jan. 4, 1861) Came from South Carolina
to Texas in 1834. Served in Battle of San Jacinto in Texas War for
Independence, 1836. Was one of a party with "Deaf" Smith
that destroyed Vince's Bridge near Pasadena. This deed may have kept
Santa Anna's army from retreat or reinforcement, thus insuring Texas
victory. In recognition, the Legislature of Texas awarded to Coker
1,920 acres, where he and his brother Joseph founded Coker community.
(1968)
A visitor to our site states that the address for this is incorrect. It should be 231 W. North Loop Rd. Thanks, Grady, for the correction.
Marker Title: Confederate Cemetery
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1989
Marker Location: Inset into Cemetery #4 off of E. commerce, Paso Hondo
& News Braunfels Streets, San Antonio.
Marker Text: This cemetery is located within part of a 40-acre grant
of land given to the city of San Antonio by the King of Spain. The
property was later subdivided into twenty-nine separate cemeteries
by City Adlermen, and this area was designated as City Cemtery Number
Four. This section became known as the Confederate Cemetery after
its purchase in 1885 by the Albert Sidney Johnston Camp No. 1, United
Confederate Veterans. The earliest documeted burial in this plot,
that of Charles Hutcheson, dates to 1855 and was already in place
a the time of the Camp's purchase. Prominent Confederate veterans
interred here include John Salmon "Rip" Ford, the pioneer
Texas politcal leader and newspaper editor famous for his service
as a Texas Ranger; George Wythe Baylor, a politcal and military leader;
and Hamilton P. Bee, Confederate General and Speaker of the Texas
House of Representatives. There are over 900 marked burials in the
Confederate Cemetery, including those of Civil War veterans, their
dependents, and later generations of descendants. Also interred here
are veterans of World War I and World War II.
Marker Title: Dawson Massacre
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: At intersection of Corrine St. & Old Austin Hwy.
(W. side of Rd.)
Marker Text: Occurred in this vicinity on September 18, 1842 when
Captain Nicholas Mosby Dawson and 53 men from La Grange, in attempting
to join Captain Mathew Caldwell (Old Paint) and his company of Texas
Volunteers during the Battle of the Salado, were surrounded by Mexican
Forces and 36 slain. 15 were taken prisoners, only 3 escaped.
Marker Title: Route of El Camino Real
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1979
Marker Location: On post in front of Guaranty Federal Bank, S.W. Corner
of Hwy 410 & Nacogdoches in parking lot.
Marker Text: The main thoroughfare of early Texas, The Camino Real,or
"King's Highway", followed ancient Indian and buffalo trail.
It stretched 1,000 miles from Mexico to present Louisiana. Domingo
Teran de los Rios, first Governor of Texas, blessed the central section
of the road in 1691. Called the "Trail of the Padres", it
linked Monclova, Mexico, with the Spanish Missions of East Texas.
Over the centuries, priests, soldiers, traders, and settlers used
the Camino Real. The French adventurer T. Denis probably traveled
the road from Louisiana to the Rio Grande in 1714. San Antonio was
a major stop on this frontier highway. Moses Austin followed the Camino
Real to San Antonio in 1820 seeking colonization rights from Spain.
Many Anglo-American settlers called it the "old San Antonio Road".
It joined this city with Nacogdoches, San Augustine, and other East
Texas Settlements. In 1915 the Texas Legislature appropriated $5,000
to mark the historic roadway across the state. The Daughters of the
American Revolution, along with other patriotic groups, endorsed the
project. V.N. Zivley surveyed the route and indicated the spacing
for granite markers every five miles. Today many modern highways follow
the path of the Camino Real.
Marker Title: El Quartel (El Cuartel)
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: 401 S. Alamo, San Antonio, voc. in parking circle
to plaza San Antonio Hotel.
Marker Text: Built in 1810, on Jan. 22, 1811, Captain Juan Bautista
De Las Casas recruited forces here for first overthrow of Spanish
rule in Texas by arresting Governor, and other high officials. On
March 2, 1811, Juan Zambrano led counter revolutionary force, also
recurited here, to overthrow Casas Regime, restore Spanish Rule. Early
in 1813, province invaded by Republican Army of the North favoring
independence from Spain, only to be reconquered that year. Quartel
de San Antonio de Bexar apparently destroyed during Texas Revolution
as the defenders chose to make their stand at the Alamo.
Marker Title: Enrique Esparza (September, 1824-December
20, 1917)
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Location: In Cemetery, MT. Carmel Catholic Church, corner of
Leal Rd & Martinez, Laysoy.
Marker Text: Son of Alamo defender Gregorio Esparaza, 11-year old
Enrique, his mother, two brothers, and sister were present at the
seige by the Mexican Army (Feb. 23-Mar. 6, 1836). Hidden in a pile
of hay, the youth saw his father fall and witnessed the heroic death
of James Bowie on his sick bed. He then watched the bodies of the
Texans burn in two huge Pyres. Enrique Esparza's eyewitness story
later became invaluable, for he was one of few survivors.
"Rip" Ford
Photo from the book, Texas Ranger Tales II, by Mike Cox
Marker Title: John Salmon "Rip" Ford
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1963
Marker Location: In Confederate Cemetery, Loc. inside of City Cem.
#4, at intersection of E. Commerce St. Jeb Stuart Way., San Antonio.
Marker Text: Here Rests in Peace--John Salmon ("Rip") Ford
May 26, 1815- November 3, 1897. Native South Carolinian, Pioneer doctor
and editor, Republic of Texas Congressman, twice state Senator, Jack
Hay's adjutant in war with Mexico, fearless Ranger Captain in border
and Indian campaigns, Confederate colonel, Mayor of Austin and Brownsville,
member Constitutional Convention of 1875, superintendent State Deaf
and Dumb School, charter member of Texas State Historical Association.
As war maker and as peace keeper, he was steadfast and true to his
motto: "Ready, ay, ready!" Erected by the State of Texas,
1963.
Museum Name: Fort Sam Houston Museum and National Historic
Landmark
Mailing Address: 1207 Stanley Road
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78234
Area Code: 210
Phone: 221-1886
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Goliad Road
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Location: Tee #13 on Golf Course (at Pecan Valley Golf Course),
Pecan Rd., San Antonio.
Marker Text: Established about 1720 by Spain as "El Camino Real
a La Bahia del Espiritu Santo" ("King's Highway to Goliad").
Served for 150 years as a major emigrant, military, and trade road.
Became segment of the Chihuahua Road, which connected the Texas Gulf
Coast and Mexico. Indians, soldiers from Spain, Mexico, the Republic
of Texas, the United States and Confederacy used road for their campaigns.
In this vicinity the Goliad Road crossed Salado Creek and paralleled
the Gonzales Road in the approach to San Antonio. Its traffic diminished
only after railroads came to Texas.
Marker Title: Captain Lee Hall
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1970
Marker Location: Old National Cemetery, between Paso Hondo and Center
St., San Antonio (Center Island S. of Flagpole)
Marker Text: Captain Lee Hall (October 9, 1849-March 17, 1911) Heroic
defender of honor of Texas and the United States. Born in Lexington,
N.C., came to Texas in 1869. Gained national fame as Grayson County
Marshal and Deputy Sheriff, 1871, 1876. Served with frontier battalion,
Texas Rangers, 1876-1880, hunting such outlaws as Sam Bass, King Fisher,
John Wesley Hardin, and feuding Taylor-Sutton gangs. In Spanish-American
War (1898-1900), was cited for his gallant service in the Philippines.
Recorded-1970.
Museum Name: History and Traditions Museum
Mailing Address: 37 LG/LGMH
Street Address: 2051 George Ave.
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78236-5218
Area Code: 210
Phone: 671-3055
County: Bexar
Museum Name: Institute of Texan Cultures
Mailing Address: 801 S. Bowie St.
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78205 3296
Area Code: 210
Phone: 458-2300
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Moses Lapham
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: At Leon Creek, on old Castrouville Rd. (hwy 90 acccess
rd.)1 mi of Acme Rd., San Antonio Southwest.
Marker Text: Near here on October 20, 1838 Moses Lapham, a veteran
of San Jacinto, and three of his companions were killed by Indians,
as were seven members of a rescue party on the following day. More
Museum Name: Lone Star Buckhorn Museums
Mailing Address: 600 Lone Star Blvd.
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78204
Area Code: 210
Phone: 270-9469
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Matamoros Road
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Location: At intersection of Ashley, Roosevelt & S. Flores
Rds., San Antonio
Marker Text: Near this site, used by Indians and the Spanish before
19th century Anglo-American settlement of Texas. Path of Armies, Missionaries
and commerce. About 330 miles long, the route varied with seasons,
depending on chances to water teams pulling wagons or carts. Driest
stretch was from the Nueces to the Rio Grande. The trip from San Antonio
to Matamoros took 6 to 8 weeks, even when delays did not occur. Bandits
were an added danger. Slow-moving wagon trains attracted robbers on
fast horses. Teamsters learned to hide money in bags of grain or potatoes.
They would even bore holes in cart axles, put gold in, plug each hole,
cover the spot with black grease. During the Civil War, this was main
artery of the cotton road, lifeline of the Confederacy. Wisps of cotton
road, lifeline of the Confederacy. Wisps of cotton thorned into Mesquite
trees marked its way. A 6-mule wagon would haul up to 12 bales of
cotton. A solid-wheel mexican cart drawn by 10 oxen hauled up to 16
bales. When teams grew exhausted, bales of cotton would be thrown
off and hidden, so that the teamster might pick them up later. In
extremely hot, dry weather, the way would be lined with discards.
Returning wagons brought guns, ammunition, cloth and other goods so
much needed by the Confederacy.
Marker Title: Home of Samuel Augustos Maverick
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: 105 N. Alamo St., San Antonio
Marker Text: A native of South Carolina; came to San Antonio in 1835;
was guide for Ben Mailam and other leaders in first attack on San
Antonio by Texas Army, Dec. 1835. As Bexar Delegate, Maverick signed
Texas declaration of Independence at Washington-on-Brazos, 1836. With
Capt. Jack Hays' "Minute Men," he helped make San Antonio
safe from Comanche Indian attacks; also joined Hays' expedition which
opened California road and claimed Rio Grande as Texas' western boundary.
Twice Mayor of San Antonio; he was prisoner-of-war in Perote, Mex.,
or 7 months after Gen. Adrian Woll's capture of San Antonio in 1842.
Was elected as Bexar representative to 7th congress of republic (1842)
while still a prisoner at Perote. Member of committee which accepted
surrender of U.s. troops and Forts in Texas without bloodshed in Civil
War, 1861. Was Chief Justice of Bexar County During War; served in
Texas House, senate afterwards. He married Mary Ann Adams of Tuscaloosa,
Ala. They became parents of 9 children. His famous practice of letting
his cattle run about unbranded gave English language the word "Maverick",
meaning an independent person, as well as unbranded animal. Texas'
Maverick County and town were named in his honor.
Marker Title: Menger Hotel
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Location: Menger Hotel, 204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio.
Marker Text: Early San Antonio boarding house keeper, Wm. Menger in
1859 opened fine stone hotel, the "new" Menger, beside Alamo
Plaza. To host Indians, presidents, poets, actors, generals, singers,
public of the world. Served venison, quail, mutton, beef, soup made
of San Antonio River turtles. Bar's vintages had ice imported by Gulf
steamers and expressed to San Antonio in special wagons. Theodore
Roosevelt's Rough Riders were recruited here.
Marker Title: Benjamin Rush Milam
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: Park located at W. Commerce & San Saba &
W. Houston & San Roza, San Antonio.
Marker Text: (Front) Benjamin Rush Milam (Right) Preeminent Hero of
Texas a man of rare initiative and courage. Of a modest and willing
personality a devoted friend. Born in Frankford Kentucky in 1788 a
soldier in the War of 1812. (back) Trader with the Texas Comanche
Indians in 1818, was a Colonel in the long Tresplacious expedition
in 1820. Texas Colonizer 1826 to 1835. First navigator of the upper
Red River in 1831. (Left) Assisted in the capture of Goliad October
ninth 1835. Planned the attack on San Antonio and was killed on December
seventh 1835 while commanding the Texas Forces which later captured
the town . (back) Elected by the State of Texas 1936 with funds appropriated
by the Federal Government to commemorate nine hundred years of Texas
Independence.
Marker Title: Colonel Edward Miles
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Marker Location: St. Mary's St., Palmetto St., San Antonio (near center
point of graveyard).
Marker Text: Colonel Edward Miles, noted Texas soldier Col. Edward
Miles (Feb. 8, 1816-April 1, 1889) came to Texas 1829. Served in battles
of Anahuac and San Jacinto in Texas War for Independence and the Indian,
Mexican and Civil Wars. Born Natchez, Miss., married Mary Ann Sawyer,
Marker Title: Mission San Franscico Xavier de Najera
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: By golf course Mission Rd., just beyond mission,
San Antonio.
Marker Text: Established in 1722. Its Indian Neophytes, few in number,
passed into the care of the missionaries at San Antonio e Valero in
1726. The land was later granted to the mission Nuestra Senora De
la Purisima Conception De Acunia. Reestablished in this vicinity in
1731.
Marker Title: Pajalache Acequia (Ditch)
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Marker Location: On Presa & Riverwalk (north side), San Antonio
Marker Text: Pajalache Acequia (Ditch) constructed early in the 18th
century by the Pajalache Indians as a part of their irrigation system,
began here in La Villita and ended at Mission Concepcion. The Padres
and the Indians traveled in Canoes between these places, as the Acequia
was wide and deep.
Marker Title: Plaza De Armas (Military Plaza)
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1971
Marker Location: E. side of Military Plaza, San Antonio
Marker Text: One of oldest permanently settled locals in Texas, this
area was first explored by Spaniards in 1691. The Presidio (Fort)
of Bexar was relocated here in 172 and for many years, Plaza was enclosed
on three sides by adobe fortifications. During Mexican rebellion of
1813, captured rebels were placed in Comandancie (now old Governer's
Palace) and alter executed on Plaza. Many lynchings also occurred
at a great oak here. Military importance of Plaza declined in Republic
of Texas Era (1836-45) but place came to be one of the liveliest spots
in Texas. A busy market, it teemed with noisy vendors of vegetables,
fresh eggs, chili peppers, and live chickens. Oxcarts and wagons stood
bulging with hay, hides, and wood. Strolling guitarist, tourist, and
girls selling songbirds mingled with pickpockets and other characters.
Frequently cock fights were held. After the 1850s, the Plaza was dominated
by a stone courthouse (nicknamed the "Bat Cave"). In the
1880s and later, leading merchants here were the "Chili Queens",
who dispensed pungent Mexican food at open Air stands. The present
City Hall was completed in 1892, and the old market was moved several
blocks west. Although no longer a military or commercial center, ancient
plaza remains the municipal heart of San Antonio.
Museum Name: San Antonio Missions National Historical
Park
Mailing Address: 2202 Roosevelt Ave.
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78210
Area Code: 210
Phone: 534-8833
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Erasmo Seguin
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1973
Marker Location: Corner of Dwyers & East Nueva-south side of courthouse
square, San Antonio.
Marker Text: Born in San Antonio; descendant of Frenchman who settled
in Mexico before 1714. Always a civic leader, helped found first public
school in San Antonio, 1812. Went (1821) with Juan M. Veramendi to
escort Austin Colony leaders to Bexar, and ever after befriended Stephen
F. Austin and Anglo-American settlers. Seguin was postmaster of San
Antonio, 1823-35, and deputy for Texas in National Congrss of Mexico,
1823-24. After Santa Anna came to power as liberal (1831), then made
himself dictator, Seguin joined neighbors in sending him "San
Antonio Remonstrances" (protests) in 1832, and called an opposition
convention in 1834. Expelled from the postmastership by Santa Anna's
brother-in-law, Gen. Cos, and made to flee from San Antonio on foot,
he walked 33 miles to his ranch, Casa Blanca, where he recruited men
to help patriots win siege of Bexar (Dec. 1835) and expel Gen. Cos.
Early in 1836 he sent spies to the Nueces to watch for Santa Anna.
He lodged David Crockett in his home, and provisioned the Alamo before
the final siege. Persecuted by newcomers to Texas, he refused to go
to Mexico with his son Juan, but with his wife Josefa Becerra retired
to Casa Blanca (located in present Wilson County), where he died and
was buried in 1857.
Marker Title: Jefferson Davis Smith
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1993
Marker Location: Coker Cemetery, 231 E. W. Loop Rd, east of Hwy. 281,
San Antonio (adjacent to Coker U.M. Church).
Marker Text: Jefferson (Jeff) Davis Smith, son of Henry M. and Fanny
(short) Smith, was born in Kendall County, Texas. Jeff, age 9, and
his brother Clint, age 11, were kidnapped by Lipan and Comanche Indians
while herding sheep near their home in 1871. Jeff was reportedly bought
by Apache Chief Geronimo and made to join his tribe. Mexican bandits
captured him to return him to his family for a $1000 reward about
1878. He married Julia Harriet Reed in 1894 and moved to San Antonio.
A visitor to our site states that the address for this is incorrect. It should be 231 W. North Loop Rd. Thanks, Grady, for the correction.
Marker Title: John W. Smith
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1973
Marker Location: (S. Side of Plaza) Villa St. San Antonio
Marker Text: Great early San Antonio leader, a native of North Carolina.
Moved to Illinois, then to Missouri, where he was sheriff of Rawls
County in 1824. Came to Texas with Green DeWitt in 1826 and settled
at Gonzales. Smith moved to San Antonio in 1828 and was soon in banking-mercantile,
brokerage-contracting business. Loyal to Democracy and opposed to
dictatorship, he was active in defending Texas against Mexico, 1835-42.
He participated in "affair at Gonzales" (Oct. 2, 1835),
"storming of Bexar" (Dec. 1835), siege of the Alamo (March
1836), and the battle of the Salado (Oct. 1842). Divorced on Jan.
15, 1831, in Missouri from Harriet Stone, he married Maria Curbelo,
a descendant of the Canary Islanders who came to San Antonio in 1731.
Attorney for many pioneer Texans, he was dominant political figure
in Bexar County during 1836-45 era. Elected first county clerk on
May 1, 1837 and first Mayor of San Antonio Sept. 18, 1837, by Jan.
1838 he had been appointed postmaster as well. From 1842 to 1845 he
served he republic as senator from Bexar. During regular session of
the 9th Congress, he died at Washington-on-the-Brazos. His grave is
located in a State Park there. This marker stands at the site of his
early home in La Villita De San Fernando.
Museum Name: Spanish Governor's Palace
Mailing Address: 105 Plaza de Armas
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78205
Area Code: 210
Phone: 224-0601
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Vicinity of the Storming of Bexar
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1971
Marker Location: On NE corner of Main Plaza, Main Ave. San Antonio
Marker Text: (December 5-9, 1835) First of four major engagements
of the War for Texas Independence, this sanguinary battle ended a
siege of six weeks. The assault began at dawn, Dec. 5. 300 volunteers
(Texans, Mexicans, and Americans) under Cols. Frank W. Johnson and
Benjamin R. Milam attacked 1,200 Mexican troops commanded by Gen.
Martin P. de Cos defending San Antonio, then known as Bexar. Two columns
advanced into the strongly fortified town along Acequia (now Main)
and Soledad streets guided by townsmen John W. Smith (first mayor
of San Antonio), Hendrick Arnold (famous scout and free Negro), "Deaf"
Smith (who helped destroy Vince's Bridge at Battle of San Jacinto),
and Samuel A. Maverick (a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence).
The Texans gained the "priest's house" Dec. 8 after bitter
house-to-house fighting. This Mexican strong point dominated Main
Plaza. Covered by a fusillade of musketry, the Mexicans retired to
the Alamo and sent a white flag to the Plaza the following day. An
honorable truce with a brave enemy was signed on Dec. 10 in the "Cos
House" in historic La Villita. Later engagements--fall of the
Alamo and massacre at Goliad--were followed by final victory and Texas
Independence at San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. (1971)
Museum Name: Texas Pioneer, Trail Driver, and Texas
Ranger Museum
Mailing Address: 3805 Broadway
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78209
Area Code: 210
Phone: 822-9011
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Surrender of Federal Forces by General
David E. Twiggs
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Marker Location: On Municipal Plaza Bldg., corner of Main & Commerce,
San Antonio.
Marker Text: Brought about as Texas moved to expel 2600 federal troops-
a step necessary after secession. Frontier fighter Ben McCulloch with
400 volunteers forced surrender negotiated at headquarters of Gen.
Twiggs a block and a half from here, by 4 representatives of the Texas
Committee on public safety. Talks began Feb. 8, 1861; were stalled
by Feb. 15. That night 90 of McCulloch's men stole in, fixed guns
on Federal Sentries and Garrison in Alamo Plaza. 300 more Texas troops
entered the city. The 160 men of Twiggs' force were disarmed and held
in Quarters. On Feb. 16, Gen. Twiggs agreed to evacuate his troops
with arms and personal gear. Further pressure was used and one Feb.
18 he surrendered over $3,000,000 worth of Federal Property: Ordnance,
wagons, mules horses, supplies, money and a chain of forts. Gen. Twigs,
native of Georgia, career soldier, veteran of war of 1812 and Mexican
war, was 70 and in poor health. He held sacred his oath as an officer.
Since Dec. 27, 1860, he had written 4 times to his superior in Washington,
general of the army Winfield Scott, for orders to use in event Texas
seceded. He had no reply. Nevertheless, surrender brought him dismissal
for treachery and personal heartbreak.
Marker Title: Woll Invasion
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1972
Marker Location: On municipal Plaza Bldg, corner of Main & Commerce,
San Antonio.
Marker Text: Mexico's last invasion of the Republic of Texas alarmed
San Antonio on Sept. 11, 1842, when Gen. Adrian Woll and 1300 troops
struck the city from the west. Awakened by booming cannon, 56 Texians
(including Judge, Jurors, and citizens in town to attend court) bravely
attempted to defend the city. They fortified the stone home of Samuel
A. Maverick at northeast corner of Main Plaza, and poured out gunfire
as Woll entered with flags flying and band playing. Forced to surrender
to overwhelming numbers, 52 Texians--including Maverick, Judge Anderson
Hutchinson, and Clerk James L.Trueheart--were marched 1100 mile to
Perote Prison in Mexico. Although Mayor John W. Smith and county clerk
Thomas Addicks escaped, San Antonio had no city or county government
and very little economic activity in the ensuing 23 months. On his
way to capture the capitol of the republic in Austin, Woll was defeated
at the Salado by Mathew Caldwell's volunteers on Sept. 17, 1842. On
March 24, 1844, the last surviving prisoners of Woll's invasion were
freed from Perote Castle. They made their way on foot to Vera Cruz,
and were taken by a United States man-of-war to New Orleans. From
there they finally traveled safely home.
Marker Title: Don Juan Ximenes
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1962
Marker Location: San Fernando Cem. No. 1, block 12-P-25, Vera Cruz
St., San Antonio.
Marker Text: Don Juan Ximenes, born in San Antonio de Bexar, 1810;
veteran in the Texas War for Independence, 1835-1836. One of the storming
party at Bexar, December 5, 1835; an honored citizen, soldier and
Ranger of Texas; died July 22, 1877.
Marker Title: Gallagher Ranch
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Marker Location: From San Antonio, take SH 16 about 23 mi. NW to Bexar,
Medina Co. line-house on private property.
Marker Text: Fort and ranch house built by Peter Gallagher (1812-1878),
Irish-Texan engineer, merchant, ranger, and diarist of the Texan-Santa
Fe Expedition. The hacienda of native stone, with rifle slits to protect
form Indian attack, was bought 1927 by H.V. McNutt as headquarters
of early Texas guest ranch. The rambling Mexican-style home has known
distinguished guests and the routine of a working ranch. Presented
by American History Club, Austin.
Missions
Marker Title: Mission San Francisco de la Espada (Mission St. Francis
of the Sword)
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1969
Marker Location: Mission Drive, San Antonio
Marker Text: Established in San Antonio in 1731. May have been named for
statue of St. Francis in the chapel which, according to tradition, once
grasped a sword. One of the few missions near which descendants of the
Indian converts and Spaniards still live, Espada is considered by some
to date back to Mission San Francisco De Los Tejas, founded in East Texas
in 1690. A succession moves eventually brought it here. The original buildings
at Espada, the farthest south of the five missions near San Antonio, were
undoubtedly of adobe. A wall surrounded the church (usually called a chapel),
friary, granary,and work shops. Extensive farms and pastures lay nearby.
By 1745 the Indians produced grain and beans, and the missioned owned
1,150 head of cattle and 750 sheep. One of the few remaining early structures
is the southeast Bastion (fortified round tower), which is the only mission
fort left intact in San Antonio. Its three-foot rock walls, which contain
holes for cannons and muskets, support a vaulted roof. Composing Espada's
once-vital waterworks are a dam (one mile north), an irrigation ditch,
and a fine aqueduct (near this site)--the only extant Spanish aqueduct
in the United States.
Marker Title: Mission San Juan Capistrano
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Marker Location: (San Juan Mission Parking lot) On Mission Rd./Espada
Rd., just S. of loop 13, San Antonio
Marker Text: Founded in March, 1731, by Franciscan Missionaries on the
banks of the San Antonio River; Named for St. John of Capistrano, who
in 1456 lead a European religious crusade that saved the city of Belgrade
from infidels. Mission San Juan was a successor to Mission San Jose De
Los Nazonis, established in 1716 in east Texas. It moved here due to the
difficulty of defense. One of a complex of missions, San Juan was devoted
to the cultural and religious conversion of the Coahuiltecan-speaking
Indians of south Texas. During the uncertain early years, buildings were
constructed, crops planted, and the Indians had to be continually persuaded
to stay long enough to reap the benefits of civilization Apache raids,
cholera and smallpox epidemics, and harassment by the Civil authorities
also plagued the missions constantly. By 1762, however, San Juan had surplus
harvests of corn, cotton, beans, chili peppers, watermelons,and cantaloupes.
It also owned numerous cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. The 203 resident
Indians lived in thatched huts; the chapel and convent were of stone.
The mission was secularized in 1794. In 1967, when the buildings were
restored, many artifacts relating to the three centuries of occupancy
were unearthed.
Marker Title: Mission San Jose
City: San Antonio
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1962
Marker Location: Mission San Jose, Mission Dr. San Antonio
Marker Text: N/A
The Alamo (Not Shown on Map)
Museum Name: The Alamo
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2599
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78299
Street Address: 300 Alamo Plaza
Area Code: 210
Phone: 225-1391
County: Bexar
Marker Title: San Fernando Cathedral
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 1962
Marker Location: Main Ave. at Main Plaza, San Antonio
Marker Text: N/A
Museum Name: Fort Sam Houston Museum and National Historic Landmark
Street Address: 1207 Stanley Road
City: San Antonio
Zip Code: 78234 5002
Area Code: 210
Phone: 221-1886
County: Bexar
Marker Title: Fort Sam Houston, 4th U.S. Army Headquarters Quadraline
County: Bexar
Marker Location: New Braunfels Rd., San Antonio
Marker Text:--
Picture provided courtesy of Jean M. Heide
Site of Geier and Schmid Farm
Marker Title: Site of Geier and Schmid Farm
Address: 12900 Mount Olympus
Marker Location: Located on the 12th fairway of the Olympia Hills Golf Course
City: Universal City
County: Bexar
Year Marker Erected: 2001
Marker Text: Site of Geier and Schmid Farm This site was once the farm of German immigrants Martin Schmid and Wilhelm Geier. Wilhelm, his wife, Theodora, and their daughter, Johanna, immigrated to Texas from Wolfenbuettel, arriving at the Port of Galveston in 1849. They moved inland and settled first in New Braunfels, where Johanna Geier married Martin Schmid, from the state of Wuerttemberg, in 1854. Martin, Johanna and her parents moved to the new community of Selma, then known as Cibolo, in 1855. They bought 127 acres of land and established a farm for each family. In 1869, Geier and Schmid agreed to split the land, each receiving a portion. Martin and Johanna Schmid reared four children in Selma: William, Sam, Sedonia Haile and Mary Elizabeth Wuest. Martin, a Civil War veteran who served under Capt. Theodore Podewils' 32nd Regiment of the Texas Cavalry, died in 1880 and was buried in this immediate area, thus establishing the Schmid family cemetery. Johanna remained on the farm until 1894, when she sold it and moved to San Antonio. She, along with her parents, two of her infant children, son William and daughter Sedonia, were buried in the family cemetery. All original fencing and tombstones have disappeared from the Schmid family cemetery, as they have from the Kincaid family cemetery, which lies 100 yards northwest. Kentucky native David Kincaid moved his family to this area and was the town blacksmith. His wife, Talitha; their daughters Esther Ada Kincaid Wallace and Josephine P. Kincaid; and Talitha's father, John Davis, are buried in the Kincaid cemetery. Their stories reflect the patterns of settlement and rural life in this part of Texas in the 19th century. (2001)
