San Jacinto Battleground
In 1836, the Battle of San Jacinto was the decisive engagement where Texas’ independence was won. Today, the landscape of this important landmark of Texas history is largely under the state’s stewardship, but other parts of the battleground, outside of state ownership, remain unprotected. In addition, the topography of the entire battle ground is low lying and urban, subject to threats from subsidence, industrial pollution, and competing land use demands.
The battleground was considered sacred soon after the battle. It was officially commemorated in 1907 by the designation of an approximate 1,200 acre tract as the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site, Texas’ first state park and a National Historic Landmark.
The landscape of the battleground and surrounding area has changed considerably since the early days of the Republic. Now surrounded by the industrial area of the Houston Ship Channel, the battleground exists in a complex environment. Despite the depth of research and information known about the Battle of San Jacinto, it is a complex site to interpret and to understand within the context of its modern surroundings.
Preservation Texas is concerned about the preservation of the entire site of the known battleground and the impact of future development on the area. Protection of additional parcels will assist in the interpretation of the State Historic Site and would provide a buffer from the industrial area of the Houston Ship Channel. Further preservation of these historic parcels through partnerships would preserve the landscape of the battleground and allow for the telling of an important story about Texas history and preservation of our sacred sites.
ADDRESS: 3523 Independence Pkwy, La Porte (Harris County)
DESIGNATION: NHL
STATUS: In Progress
RESOURCE TYPE: Cultural Landscape
YEAR LISTED: 2010
