Main/Military Plaza in San Antonio in Bexar County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Storming of Bexar
Vicinity of
— (December 5-9, 1835) —
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2010
1. The Storming of Bexar Marker
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.
Erected 1971 by State
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Man-Made Features • Patriots & Patriotism • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical date for this entry is April 21, 1862.
Location. 29° 25.431′ N, 98° 29.593′ W. Marker is in San Antonio, Texas, in Bexar County. It is in Main/Military Plaza. Marker is at the intersection of Dwyer Avenue and Kallison Walk, on the right when traveling north on Dwyer Avenue. Marker is east across the street from the county courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 136 E Main Plaza, San Antonio TX 78205, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Main Plaza Fortifications (here, next to this marker); San Antonio Mutual Aid Association (a few steps from this marker); Justice's Court (a few steps from this marker); San Antonio: The Flavor of Its Past (within shouting distance of this marker); The West Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); The Bexar County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Maromeros or Rope Dancers (within shouting distance of this marker); Sell the Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Antonio.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2010
2. The Storming of Bexar Marker
Looking north.
Photographed By Paul Fehrenbach, October 15, 2012
3. The Storming of Bexar Marker
Marker is at lower right
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,779 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on November 2, 2012, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin.
