Jose Antonio Navarro Ranch
Geronimo, Guadalupe County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in San Antonio, Jose Antonio Navarro (1795-1871) held several offices in the Mexican government before becoming an active participant in the movement for Texas independence. Owner of numerous land holdings in this part of the state, Navarro purchased land along Geronimo Creek (approx. 1.2 mi. E) for farming and ranching activities in 1834. The ranch house served as a haven for his family during his captivity by the Mexican militia in 1841 until his return to the ranch in 1845. A signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, Navarro owned the ranch until 1853. ?(1986, 1998)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
José Antonio Navarro was a rare Tejano statesman who bridged Mexican and Texan worlds, holding office under Mexico before championing Texas independence and signing its Declaration in 1836. In 1834 he bought ranch land along Geronimo Creek, and its house sheltered his family during his imprisonment by Mexican forces after the ill-fated Santa Fe Expedition. He held the ranch until 1853.
Why it matters
Navarro's life testifies that Texas independence was a cause embraced by Tejanos, not only Anglo settlers—a fact his ranch quietly memorializes.
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Related people
- · Jose Antonio Navarro
Related events
- · Texas Declaration of Independence
Themes & tags
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