John Duncan
Pledger, Matagorda County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A San Jacinto veteran, born in Pennsylvania in 1788. Died March 21, 1878. Erected by the State of Texas 1936
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Pennsylvania in 1788, John Duncan made his way to Texas and fought in the 1836 Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive clash that won Texas its independence from Mexico. He lived until 1878, and the State of Texas honored him with this marker during the 1936 Centennial.
Why it matters
Duncan was one of the ordinary volunteers whose victory at San Jacinto created the Republic of Texas and set the stage for American expansion to the Rio Grande.
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Related people
- ยท John Duncan
Related events
- ยท Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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