Menard in Menard County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Paso de la Santa Cruz

(Holy Cross Ford)

Photographed by Mansfieldphoto.com, November 1, 2025

1. Paso de la Santa Cruz Marker

Inscription. Spot where in 1753 Juan Galvan, Spanish explorer, put up a huge cross, to show his choice of site for Mission San Saba. Indians gathered at the cross, remaining to participate in the first known Christian worship service in this area.

The Mission, 2 miles east, and the river ford were both named for the cross.

Erected 1965 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3952.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1753.

Location. 30° 55.447′ N, 99° 47.047′ W. Marker is in Menard, Texas, in Menard County. It is on Frisco Avenue (U.S. 83) near U.S. 190, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Menard TX 76859, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

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: Frisco Depot (here, next to this marker); Welcome to Menard, Texas (a few steps from this marker); Presidio de San Luis de las Amarillas (within shouting distance of this marker); Bank of Menard (approx. half a mile away); Great Western Trail (approx. half a mile away); Menard County Memorial of Those Who Died

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(approx. half a mile away); Fort McKavett C.S.A. / Texas Civil War Frontier Defense (approx. half a mile away); Oliver Prince Smith (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Menard.

Paso de la Santa Cruz and Frisco Depot markers in front of Frisco Depot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Gregory Walker, April 3, 2010

2. Paso de la Santa Cruz and Frisco Depot markers in front of Frisco Depot

Photographed by Richard Denney, April 3, 2010

3. Paso de la Santa Cruz Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,387 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 21, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2. submitted on April 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. 3. submitted on April 8, 2010, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.