Magnolia Park in Houston in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Lorenzo de Zavala
(1789-1836)
Photographed By James Hulse, April 11, 2021
1. Lorenzo de Zavala Marker
Three miles east is homesite and grave of a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence and first Vice-President of the Republic of Texas - an illustrious statesman of two nations. He was born in Mexico.
De Zavala, an ardent liberal and earnest advocate of democratic reforms served his native country as representative in the Spanish Cortes, Madrid; Minister of the Treasury; President of Chamber of Deputies; Governor of State of Mexico and Ambassador to France. De Zavala tired of Santa Anna's tyranny, resigned his ambassadorship and moved here in 1835.
When Mexican officials learned of his taking refuge in Texas and ordered his arrest, he became a strong leader in cause of Texas independence. Voters in Harrisburg sent him in 1835 to the Consultation at San Felipe de Austin and later to the Independence Convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos.
The de Zavala home, a plank-covered log house across from San Jacinto battleground, served as a hospital for both sides after the battle.
An observer on the scene described de Zavala as "the most interesting man in Texas" - he was a leading author, learned publicist, philosopher, historian, economist and constant lover of liberty.
Additional Marker
Marker moved from Channelview community. Grave marker moved to San Jacinto Battleground. 1936 granite
this page online
Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 10637.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 29° 44.233′ N, 95° 17.37′ W. Marker is in Houston, Texas, in Harris County. It is in Magnolia Park. Marker is at the intersection of Avenue H and 75th Street, on the right when traveling west on Avenue H. The marker is located at the entrance to the De Zavala Elementary School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7521 Avenue H, Houston TX 77012, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Magnolia Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Magnolia Park City Hall and Central Fire Station (approx. 0.3 miles away); Immaculate Conception Catholic Church (approx. half a mile away); Hidalgo Park Quiosco (approx. 0.8 miles away); Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church (approx. one mile away); Buffalo Bayou, Brazos & Colorado Railroad (approx. 1.3 miles away); Holy Cross Mission (approx. 1.3 miles away); Site of the Home of Mrs. Jane Harris (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.
Also see . . .
Photographed By James Hulse, April 11, 2021
2. The front entrance to the De Zavala Elementary School
Zavala returned to his home in poor health and relinquished his part in the affairs of state. He resigned the vice presidency on October 17, 1836. Less than a month later, soaked and half-frozen by a norther after his rowboat overturned in Buffalo Bayou, he developed pneumonia, to which he succumbed on November 15, 1836. He was buried at his home in a small cemetery plot marked by the state of Texas in 1931. The plot has since sunk into Buffalo Bayou. Source: The Handbook of Texas(Submitted on April 13, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed By James Hulse, April 11, 2021
3. The view of the Lorenzo de Zavala Marker from the road
Public Domain
4. Lorenzo de Zavala
Vice-President of the Republic of Texas - 1836
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 583 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 13, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 4. submitted on April 14, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
