The San Jacinto Monument is 570 feet tall and topped by a three-dimensional star, which symbolizes the state of Texas. It was built between 1936 and 1939. It has some great parks near it.
The History
Before it became a historic battleground, this strip of coastal prairie was home to a cowboy’s ranch. It was here, on a chilly April afternoon in 1836, that General Sam Houston’s army of Texians defeated the Mexican troops led by Antonio López de Santa Anna and won Texas’ independence.
The San Jacinto Monument, a 567-foot obelisk topped with the Lone Star (the symbol of Texas) honors those who died at this decisive battle and commemorates the end of the Texas Revolution. It is the world’s tallest war memorial and stands 15 feet higher than the Washington Monument.
The San Jacinto Museum of History chronicles the story of this important battle and explains why the obelisk is the world’s tallest monument. Its base was designed by architect Alfred C. Finn and engineer Robert J. Cummins, who had to overcome problems posed by a base with a high water table. The monument was built between 1936 and 1939.
The Monument
When Sam Houston led his ragtag army of settlers, Tejanos, and foreign volunteers to victory against General Santa Anna’s regular troops on this strip of coastal prairie on April 21, 1836, it was a defining moment in Texas history. Today, the monument honors their courage and sacrifice. The site also hosts the San Jacinto Museum and offers a view of downtown Houston from the observation deck.
When it was built, the 567-foot monument was the world’s tallest masonry column. Designed by architect Alfred C. Finn and engineer Robert J. Cummins, the structure solved several challenging geotechnical problems, including a base with a high water table and heavy loads from a hurricane-prone region.
During construction, the monument was monitored closely for settlement. McClelland Engineers, now Fugro Consultants, has continued to monitor settlement to verify that the foundation has not shifted from its original design. This work has also provided a valuable opportunity to test Dr. Karl Terzaghi’s consolidation theory, a fundamental component of soil mechanics.
The Museum
It was here in April of 1836 that a strip of coastal prairie rang with the boom of cannon fire and cries of “Remember the Alamo!” In the space of a single, brisk 18-minute battle, General Sam Houston’s outnumbered army of settlers, Tejanos, and foreign volunteers vanquished General Santa Anna’s forces, winning Texas independence.
Located inside the monument is the museum, where visitors can immerse themselves in all that makes Texas great. The collection features everything from pre-Columbian artifacts to tools of westward expansion, as well as the many conflicts that changed the course of history.
It took a little ingenuity to get Uncle Sam to open his wallet and allocate funds for this Texas-sized tribute to a historic victory. Ultimately, local businessman Jesse H. Jones was able to lobby the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and Sons of the Republic of Texas with enough force to get the project off the ground. The result was a soaring obelisk that honors the brave men and women who fought for the freedom of a new country.
The Observation Deck
The 567-foot-tall monument is the world’s tallest memorial column and commemorates all those who fought for Texas independence. It was constructed between 1936 and 1939 as part of a New Deal project. Construction was a dangerous undertaking, but no one was killed. It was topped on April 21, 1939, with the 220-ton Star of Texas.
Take an elevator ride to the observation deck and view Houston from above. The windowless base of the monument houses a museum that chronicles Texas history. Its collection includes personal items from the battle’s participants, such as Sam Houston’s dictionary and General Sidney Sherman’s dress coat.
The San Jacinto Monument is a national historic landmark and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Texas. Texans and tourists alike flock to the site, where they can witness a dramatic reenactment of the 1836 battle. Guests can also tour the historic Battleship Texas or go biking or birding. The area is a scenic twofer where America’s past and present come together.
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The San Jacinto Monument in Houston commemorates the decisive 1836 battle that won Texas its independence. Rising nearly 600 feet, this towering column allows visitors to reflect on the sacrifice and triumph of the past.
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