Don Jose Miguel de Arciniega
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1810, Don Jose Miguel de Arciniega (1793-1849), a maker of Texas, entered the Spanish military at the age of 17. After the Mexican War for Independence in 1821, Arciniega held many municipal posts, including San Antonio Alcalde in 1830 and Political Chief in 1833. He also served as a land commissioner for Stephen F. Austin’s colonies. After the Texas Revolution, Arciniega continued to serve in judicial roles as well as oversee the security of Texas borders. Arciniega served as a major leader in Texas even as its own government changed many times. He was fluent in Spanish, French and English and spoke several Native American dialects. Arciniega street runs near the site of his old homestead.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
José Miguel de Arciniega entered the Spanish military as a teenager in 1810 and, after Mexico won its independence in 1821, rose through San Antonio's civic ranks as alcalde and political chief. He served as a land commissioner for Stephen F. Austin's colonies and, after the Texas Revolution, continued in judicial and border-security roles. Fluent in Spanish, French, English, and several Native languages, he remained a leader through every change of government Texas endured.
Why it matters
He embodies the Tejano statesmen who governed Texas across Spanish, Mexican, and Republic rule, bridging cultures at the birth of the state.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- San Antonio Art League Museum0.2 mi away · TX
- Instituto Cultural de Mexico0.2 mi away
- Briscoe Western Art Museum0.2 mi away · 210 West Market Street
- Villa Finale Visitor Center0.2 mi away
- Texas Highway Patrol Museum0.3 mi away · TX
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.4 mi away
Attractions
- Yanaguana Garden0.1 mi away
- La Villita0.2 mi away
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- Tower of the Americas0.4 mi away · 739 East César E. Chávez Boulevard, San Antonio, TX
- River boat boarding0.4 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.4 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
Food & drink
- McDonald's0.3 mi away · 101 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX
- Chipotle0.3 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.3 mi away
- Cafe Ole0.3 mi away
- Agave Bar0.4 mi away
- Lone Star Cafe0.4 mi away
Places to stay
- Hilton Palacio del Rio0.2 mi away
- The Monarch San Antonio0.2 mi away
- Hotel Contessa0.2 mi away · 306 West Market Street
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.3 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.4 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Grand Hyatt San Antonio0.4 mi away · 600 East Market Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · José Miguel de Arciniega
- · Stephen F. Austin
Related events
- · Mexican War for Independence
- · Texas Revolution
Themes & tags
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