Re-Dedication of 1936 Madam Powell Historical Marker Set for May 1, 2010

The public is invited to attend the re-dedication of the Texas State Historical Marker originally placed where the Mexican Army met at Madam Powell's Tavern after learning of the Texian victory at San Jacinto. After learning of the defeat of General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, General Vicente Filisola, second in command of the Mexican Army, ordered the other Mexican Generals all to meet him at Madam Powell's Tavern for a council of war, which was held from April 24 through April 26, 1836.

Instead of moving the remaining two or three thousand man army on across the Brazos River and attacking General Sam Houston's Texian Army, the Mexican Generals decided to fall back to the west side of the Colorado River and wait for orders from their government. If these Mexican Generals had decided to attack the Texian Army instead of withdraw, our history might be considerably different. As the huge Mexican Army began their retreat, the rear guard is believed to have burned Madam Powell's Tavern.

The San Jacinto Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas believes this is an important event in Texas history and they will host a ceremony starting at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010 to re-dedicate the marker that was placed at the site of Elizabeth Powell's home as part of the massive state wide project in 1936 to mark all historic sites in the state. Dr. Gregg Dimmick will be the featured speaker, and Bob Brinkman with the Texas Historical Commission will tell us about the history of the 1936 marker program. Everyone interested in Texas history is invited to join them.

The marker is located near the crossing of Turkey Creek in the middle of Mr. Jack Wendt's cattle ranch, and was knocked down by cows some years back. Mr. Wendt uprighted the 1936 marker and the San Jacinto SRT Chapter has replaced the missing lone star on the marker and cleaned the years of grime from the granite marker. Mr. Wendt has also greatly improved the road through his farm to the marker, and has vounteered the use of his onsite ranch building for a reception after the re-dedication ceremony.

Directions and Contact Information-

To reach the site of the ceremony, proceed southwest from Houston on Highway 59 to the town of Kendleton, Texas. As you exit at the Kendleton exit, make a "U" turn and drive back toward Houston on the access road for about one mile to Darst Road, where you turn right and continue until you cross the bridge over Turkey Creek. The next farm entrance on the left is the entrance to Jack Wendt's farm and ranch, where signs will direct you to the ceremony. For other details, contact Tom Green at (281) 922-1118 or his cell phone at (832) 687-3474.


Photos showing Elizabeth Powell marker on ground missing lone star at the beginning of the preservation process are all courtesy of Dale Williamson.