Near Devine in Medina County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Spanish Exploration in Medina County
The expedition of Alvar Nuñez Cabeza de Vaca traveled through Texas between 1526 and 1537, exploring and mapping the unknown territory. Later Spanish expeditions, which established missions, presidios (forts), and townships, included those led by Alonso de Leon; Father Manuel de la Cruz; Father Juan LaRios and Fernando del Bosque; Domingo Teran de los Rios; and Father Isidro de Espinosa.
At least twenty Spanish expeditions led by soldiers, missionaries, and settlers crossed present Medina County before 1844. Detailed descriptions of the area appear in the official accounts of many of the expeditions. Many of the county's geographical features retain the names given them by Spanish explorers of the 16th, 17th, and 18th Centuries. Spanish names associated with early settlements, sites, rivers, and streams serve as reminders of the rich Spanish heritage of the area now known as Medina County.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4997.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration.
Location. 29° 9.957′ N, 98° 56.34′ W. Marker is near Devine, Texas, in Medina County. Marker is on State Highway 173, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Devine TX 78016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Charco de la Pita (here, next to this marker); Devine Lodge, No. 590 (approx. 2.3 miles away); First Baptist Church of Devine (approx. 2½ miles away); Devine Evergreen Cemetery (approx. 2.6 miles away); American Legion Memorial (approx. 2.7 miles away); Last Person Killed by Indians in Medina County (approx. 2.7 miles away); Judge Thomas J. Devine (approx. 2.7 miles away); The Upper Presidio Road (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Devine.
Also see . . .
1. Spanish Texas - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on February 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)
2. Exploration - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on February 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 348 times since then and 57 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.