Victoria in Victoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of Victoria's First Church
Photographed by Jim Evans, May 23, 2019
1. Site of Victoria's First Church Marker
This is one of the granite markers placed in 1936 to celebrate Texas becoming a nation
(across the street) of
Victoria's First Church
Erected by Martin De Leon, founder of Victoria, soon after his arrival in October, 1824. Priests serving there were Rev. Fathers Jose Miguel Muro, Jose Antonio Valdez, Antonio Diaz De Leon, O.M.F. The church was restored in 1840 by Most Rev. John Mary Odin, first Catholic Bishop of Texas. In 1850 Father Agustine Gardet had it removed to the northwest corner of the lot where Nazareth Convent now stands.
Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 6577.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1824.
Location. 28° 47.802′ N, 97° 0.437′ W. Marker is in Victoria, Texas, in Victoria County. It is at the intersection of South Main Street and West Church Street, on the right when traveling south on South Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Victoria TX 77901, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. 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 walking distance of this marker: St. Mary's Church, Catholic (a few steps from this marker); In Memory of Edward Conrad (within shouting distance of this marker); Josι Marνa Jesϊs Carvajal (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Round Top House (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Empresario Martνn de Leσn
this page online
Photographed by Jim Evans, May 23, 2019
2. Site of Victoria's First Church Marker
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 10, 2026
3. Site of Victoria's First Church Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 390 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on March 29, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2019, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. 3. submitted on April 13, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
