Re-Dedication of the 1936 Madame Powell Historical Marker
The public is invited to attend the re-dedication of the Texas State Historical Marker
originally placed where the Mexican Army met at Madam Powell’s Tavern
after learning of the Texian victory at San Jacinto.
After learning of the defeat of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna,
General Vicente Filisola, second in command of the Mexican Army,
ordered the other Mexican Generals all to meet him at Madame Powell’s Tavern
for a council of war, which was held from April 24 through April 26, 1836.
Instead of moving the remaining two to three thousand man army on across the Brazos River
and attacking General Sam Houston’s Texian Army, the Mexican Generals decided to fall back
to the west side of the Colorado River and wait for orders from their government.
If these Mexican Generals had decided to attack the Texian Army instead of withdraw,
our history might be considerably different. As the huge Mexican Army began their
retreat the rear guard is believed to have burned Madame Powell’s Tavern.
The San Jacinto Chapter of The Sons of The Republic of Texas believes this is an
important event in Texas history, and we will host a ceremony starting
at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010 to re-dedicate the marker that was placed
at the site of Elizabeth Powell’s home as part of the massive state wide project
in 1936 to mark all historic sites in the state.
Dr. Gregg Demmick
will be our featured speaker, and Bob Brinkman with the
Texas Historical Commission will tell us about the history of the 1936 marker
program.
Everyone interested in Texas history is invited to join us!
The marker is located near the crossing of Turkey Creek in the middle
of Mr.
Jack Wendt’s cattle ranch, and was knocked down by the cows
some years back. Mr. Wendt uprighted the 1936 marker and the
San Jacinto SRT Chapter has replaced the missing lone star on the
marker and cleaned the years of grime from the granite marker.
Mr. Wendt has also greatly improved the road through his farm to
the marker, and has volunteered the use of his onsite ranch building
for a reception after the re-dedication ceremony.
To reach the site of the ceremony, proceed southwest from
Houston on Highway 59 to the town of Kendleton, Texas.
As you exit at the Kendleton exit, make a "U" turn
and drive back toward Houston on the access road for about one mile to Darst Road,
where you turn right and continue until you cross the bridge over Turkey Creek.
The next farm entrance on the left is the entrance to Jack Wendt’s farm and ranch,
where signs will direct you to the ceremony. For other details,
contact Tom Green, at (281) 922-1118, or Cell phone (832) 687-3474.