San Juan in Hidalgo County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
St. John the Baptist Church Tower 1954
San Juan Heritage Tourism Trail
Photographed By James Hulse, April 22, 2023
1. St. John the Baptist Church Tower 1954 Marker
Inscription.
St. John the Baptist Church Tower 1954. San Juan Heritage Tourism Trail. The Virgin of San Juan attracted countless pilgrimages from distant places. Beginning as a small chapel on the grounds of the San Juan Plantation, St. John the Baptist Church has been a part of San Juan history since 1908. A wooden chapel was erected in town one block to the east of this site in 1924 which now rests to the north in Lopezville. On May 2, 1954, some 60,000 pilgrims came here to witness the dedication of the new shrine. Tragically a local pilot deliberately flew his plane into the shrine on October 23, 1970 destroying all but the tower that still stands today.
The Virgin of San Juan attracted countless pilgrimages from distant places. Beginning as a small chapel on the grounds of the San Juan Plantation, St. John the Baptist Church has been a part of San Juan history since 1908. A wooden chapel was erected in town one block to the east of this site in 1924 which now rests to the north in Lopezville. On May 2, 1954, some 60,000 pilgrims came here to witness the dedication of the new shrine. Tragically a local pilot deliberately flew his plane into the shrine on October 23, 1970 destroying all but the tower that still stands today.
Erected by Texas Tropical Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 26° 11.674′ N, 98° 9.415′ W. Marker is in San Juan, Texas, in Hidalgo County. Marker is at the intersection of West 1st Street and North Lincoln Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West 1st Street. The marker is located on the front of the church by the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 216 West 1st Street, San Juan TX 78589, 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. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (within shouting distance of this marker); San Juan Townsite (approx. 0.3 miles away);
2. The St. John the Baptist Church Tower and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, April 22, 2023
3. The view of the St. John the Baptist Church Tower 1954 Marker from the street
Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 68 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
