San Marcos in Hays County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

In Commemoration of the Tonkawa and Chief Placido ("Ha-shu-ka-na")

Photographed By James Hulse, May 10, 2022

1. In Commemoration of the Tonkawa and Chief Placido ("Ha-shu-ka-na") Marker

Inscription. The Tonkawa Tribe inhabited Central Texas long before the settlers of present-day San Marcos arrived in the 1840's. The Tonkawas befriended these early "Texians", making the settlers' lives considerably safer and less harsh. Chief Placido (Hashukana in his native language) served as a scout with the Texas Rangers and the U.S. Army and became friends with Stephen F. Austin, Sam Houston, and Edward Burleson. In 1840, Placido and other brave tribe members fought alongside Jack C. Hays, Ben McCulloch, and General Burleson to defeat the Comanches in the Battle of Plum Creek near Lockhart.

Erected by City of San Marcos.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.

Location. 29° 53.094′ N, 97° 56.172′ W. Marker is in San Marcos, Texas, in Hays County. Marker can be reached from N C M Allen Parkway, 0.1 miles north of East Hopkins Street (State Highway 80), on the right when traveling north. The marker and statue are located along the trail to cross the San Marcos bridge next to the old Fish Hatchery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 206 C M Allen Parkway, San Marcos TX 78666, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

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. Old Fish Hatchery Office Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Hays County's First Public Building (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mexican War Camp at San Marcos (about 600 feet away); The Charles S. Cock House Museum (about 600 feet away); Old Cock Home (about 600 feet away); The Dr. Eli T. Merriman Log Cabin (about 700 feet away); First National Bank of San Marcos (approx. 0.2 miles away); Beverly Hutchison House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Marcos.

Also see . . . Placido (Tonkawa leader).

Plácido was born the son of a Tonkawa Chief and a Comanche female captive/slave. His mother having been Comanche is highly ironic, in that he became the greatest enemy the Comanche had in Texas. Plácido, known in his own language as Ha-shu-ka-na ("Can't Kill Him"), was the last major Chief of the Tonkawa Indians. The fierce Tonkawas became great friends of the white Texas settlers, helping them against all their enemies.

Plácido rose to power among the Tonkawas during the Long Expedition into Texas in 1819. Warriors from several tribes, including Placido and his Tonkawa, joined in James Long's venture and gained horses, other plunder, and scalps in battles with the Spanish army. After Carita, a prominent Tonkawa leader, died in 1823, Plácido
Photographed By James Hulse, May 10, 2022

2. In Commemoration of the Tonkawa and Chief Placido ("Ha-shu-ka-na") Marker and Statue
was elected as head chief of his people by the chiefs and elders.

(Submitted on May 26, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of Chief Placido ("Ha-shu-ka-na") Marker and Statue from the walkway image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, May 10, 2022

3. The view of Chief Placido ("Ha-shu-ka-na") Marker and Statue from the walkway

Closeup of Chief Placido ("Ha-shu-ka-na") statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, May 10, 2022

4. Closeup of Chief Placido ("Ha-shu-ka-na") statue

Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 287 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 26, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.