Amarillo in Potter County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Juan de Padilla
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 18, 2015
1. Juan de Padilla Marker front
Self Sacrifice of Padre Fray Juan de Padilla 1544
Reverse Side
Built to the glorious and perpetual memory of Father Fray Juan de Padilla, O.F.M. Franciscan Missionary, first martyr for Christianity in the United States and in Texas
Accompanied the Coronado Expedition to Palo Duro Canyon. Went with Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his chosen party in search of La Gran Quivira.
Returned soon and began his zealous labors for the civilizing and christianizing of the Wichita and other Indian nations in the region of the Texas Panhandle.
His martyrdom occurred in 1544
Erected 1936 by the State of Texas and the Texas Knights of Columbus. (Marker Number 2873.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1544.
Location. 35° 12.158′ N, 101° 50.942′ W. Marker is in Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. It is on South Washington Street south of West 11th Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Marker was in Ellwood Park by the northwest corner of the tennis courts. Marker has been moved across the street to St Mary's
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the Texas Panhandle. It is also on the American Great Plains, specifically on the Southern Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. 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 Comancherνa, the Dust Bowl, 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 Academy (a few steps from this marker); H. B. Sanborn House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alice Victoria Ghormley Curtis House (approx. 0.4 miles away); American Legion Hanson Post No. 54 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Central Presbyterian Church (approx. half a mile away); Old First Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); Louis H. Smith, Inc. Firestone Store (approx. 0.6 miles away); Polk Street Schools (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amarillo.
Also see . . . Fray Juan de Padilla: The First Christian Martyr of Texas - Texas State Historical Association. The actual location of Padilla's death is disputed, as are certain details surrounding the episode, such as who was really with him. However, he had been revered by Texans as the first Christian martyr of Texas, and possibly of the United States. (Submitted on December 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.)
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 18, 2015
2. Juan de Padilla Marker back
Photographed by Allen Lowrey, November 16, 2025
3. New location of Juan de Padilla Marker at St Mary's Cathedral School.
Photographed by Allen Lowrey, November 16, 2025
4. New location of Juan de Padilla Marker at St Mary's Cathedral School.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 18, 2015
5. Juan de Padilla Marker - Old Location
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 18, 2015
6. Juan de Padilla Marker - Old Location
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,145 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on November 17, 2025, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3, 4. submitted on November 17, 2025, by Allen Lowrey of Amarillo, Texas. 5, 6. submitted on December 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
