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
Front:
Self Sacrifice of Padre Fray Juan de Padilla – 1544
Back
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° 12.167′ N, 101° 50.879′ W. Marker is in Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. Marker is on South Washington Street south of West 11th Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Marker has been moved across the street to St Mary's Academy. Marker is in Ellwood
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Panhandle Boys of the World War (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Mary's Academy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); H. B. Sanborn House (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Legion Hanson Post No. 54 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Central Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); Alice Victoria Ghormley Curtis House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Old First Baptist Church (approx. half a mile away); Louis H. Smith, Inc. Firestone Store (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amarillo.
Also see . . . 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 Bill Kirchner, November 18, 2015
3. Juan de Padilla Marker
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 18, 2015
4. Juan de Padilla Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 583 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on November 16, 2023, by Danny L Vest of Levelland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 15, 2015, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
