Jose Antonio Navarro
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. Born in San Antonio February 27, 1795. Died January 13, 1871. His wife Margarita De La Garza Navarro. Born October 17, 1801. Died July 8, 1861. Erected by the State of Texas 1936
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in San Antonio in 1795, Jose Antonio Navarro was a Tejano statesman and one of the few native-born Texans to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836. He devoted his life to the cause of Texas and the rights of its Mexican-descended citizens through the turbulent transitions from Mexican rule to republic to statehood. This marker, erected by the State of Texas in 1936, honors him and his wife, Margarita De La Garza Navarro.
Why it matters
Navarro stands among the founding fathers of Texas and a symbol of the Tejano contribution to the state's independence and identity.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Steves Homestead Museum1.0 mi away
- Centro de Artes1.0 mi away
- Villa Finale1.0 mi away
- Cactus Bra Gallery1.0 mi away
- San Angel Folk Art1.0 mi away
- Blue Star Contemporary Art Center1.0 mi away
Attractions
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site1.0 mi away
- River boat boarding1.4 mi away
- La Villita1.4 mi away
- Yanaguana Garden1.5 mi away
- River boat boarding1.5 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium1.6 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
Food & drink
- The Original Mexican Restaurant1.5 mi away
- Saltgrass Steak House1.5 mi away
- Paesanos Riverwalk1.5 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
- Landry's Seafood House1.5 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- Cafe Ole1.5 mi away
- Agave Bar1.5 mi away
Places to stay
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio1.3 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk1.4 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- Hotel Contessa1.4 mi away · 306 West Market Street
- Mokara Hotel and Spa1.4 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio1.4 mi away · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio1.4 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors. Hours and details change — call ahead.
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Related people
- · Jose Antonio Navarro
- · Margarita De La Garza Navarro
Related events
- · Texas Declaration of Independence
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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