Peñitas in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Peñitas
(7 Mi. NW)
Photographed by James Hulse, April 22, 2023
1. Peñitas Marker
Founders were a priest and five other Spaniards of the unsuccessful Panfilo de Narvaez expedition into Mexico in 1520. Narvaez was sent to arrest or kill Hernando Cortez, Conqueror of Mexico, who was accused of disloyalty to the King. Cortez, however, defeated Narvaez in battle, imprisoned him, and took most of Narvaez's army for his own. After Narvaez was released from prison (1521), he and the remnant of his men set out for Florida. But Father Zamora and five officers gave up further plans to travel with Narvaez, and settled at Penitas.
The refugees were befriended by Indians living in huts and dugout-type homes in the vicinity. The Spaniards erected stone houses with whitewashed walls. Father Zamora brought the Catholic faith to the Indians, also teaching them weaving and better farming. The Indians taught cookery to their guests.
Cabeza de Vaca, aide in a later Narvaez expedition, is famous for having written of his shipwreck and wanderings in Texas from 1528 to 1535. The founders of Penitas are recalled best by their descendants, some of whom still live in this area.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3980.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1520.
Location. 26° 13.89′ N, 98° 26.686′ W. Marker is in Peñitas, Texas, in Hidalgo County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street (Farm to Market Road 1427) and Peñitas Park Avenue, on the left when traveling south on South Main Street. The marker is located at the front of the Peñitas City Park by the Veterans Memorial. Touch for map.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South Texas. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Peñitas (here, next to this marker); Peñitas Common School (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Peñitas Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Nellie Leo Schunior School (approx. 2.6 miles away); Havana (approx. 4.1 miles away); Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park (approx. 5.2 miles away); Laurel Hill Cemetery (approx. 7 miles away); Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church (approx. 7.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peñitas.
Also see . . .
1. Narváez, Pánfilo de (unknown–1528). Texas State Historical Association (TSHA)
Photographed by James Hulse, April 22, 2023
2. The Peñitas Marker is on the left of the two markers
2. Cabeza de Vaca, Álvar Núñez (ca. 1490–ca. 1559). Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on May 26, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, April 22, 2023
3. The view of the Peñitas Marker from the street
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 26, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 721 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 26, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
