Jose Francisco Ruiz
San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(January 29, 1783 - January 20, 1840) One of two native Texans who signed Declaration of Independence and helped found Republic of Texas. Ruiz, born in San Antonio, son of a wealthy rancher, was educator in Spain. Upon returning home, he was appointed school teacher by order of the cabildo (city government). He marred Josepha Hernandez, of one of city's founding families; had two children. Ruiz became an officer in the revolutionary army of the Mexican people opposing Spanish rule, 1811-1815; shared in defeat; and had to flee for his life to the United States. After freedom was won, he and his family returned (1822) and he became an officer in the republican army. Assumption of dictatorial powers by Santa Anna (1830s) caused Ruiz to join other Texans in opposition. He was elected delegate from Bexar to the March 1836 convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos. There he became one of the three men of Spanish blood to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence. Late in 1836 he was seated in the first Congress of the Republic of Texas as first senator from Bexar District. In tribute to Ruiz, the State of Texas has marked his gravesite and moved his house from Dolorosa Street for preservation on grounds of Witte Museum. (1973)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in San Antonio in 1783 to a wealthy ranching family, José Francisco Ruiz was educated in Spain and served as a city schoolteacher before joining the Mexican struggle against Spanish rule, a fight that forced him into exile in the United States. Returning home, he broke with Santa Anna's growing dictatorship and was elected a Bexar delegate to the 1836 convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos, where he became one of only a few native Tejanos to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence. He went on to serve as Bexar's first senator in the Congress of the new Republic.
Why it matters
Ruiz is a reminder that Texas independence was also a Tejano cause, won by Spanish-speaking Texans whose families had built San Antonio generations before.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Spanish Governor's Palacenearby
- Centro de Artes0.2 mi away
- Artpace0.4 mi away · 445 North Main Avenue, San Antonio, TX
- Briscoe Western Art Museum0.4 mi away · 210 West Market Street
- Buckhorn Saloon and Museum0.4 mi away
- Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks0.5 mi away
Attractions
- Casa Navarro State Historical Site0.2 mi away
- River boat boarding0.3 mi away
- La Villita0.4 mi away
- River boat boarding0.4 mi away
- Sea Life Aquarium0.6 mi away · 849 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX
- Yanaguana Garden0.6 mi away
Food & drink
- Paesanos Riverwalk0.4 mi away · 111 Crockett Way, San Antonio, TX
- Saltgrass Steak House0.4 mi away
- Landry's Seafood House0.4 mi away · 517 North Presa Street, San Antonio, TX
- Texas de Brazil0.4 mi away · 313 East Houston Street, San Antonio
- The Original Mexican Restaurant0.4 mi away
- Mad Dogs British Pub0.4 mi away · 123 Losoya Street
Places to stay
- Holiday Inn Riverwalk0.2 mi away · 217 North Saint Mary's Street, San Antonio, TX
- The Westin Riverwalk, San Antonio0.3 mi away · 420 West Market Street, San Antonio
- Mokara Hotel and Spa0.3 mi away · 212 West Crockett Street, San Antonio, TX
- Omni La Mansión del Rio0.3 mi away · 112 College Street, San Antonio
- Sheraton Gunter Hotel San Antonio0.3 mi away · 205 East Houston Street, San Antonio, TX
- Hotel Contessa0.3 mi away · 306 West Market Street
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Related people
- · Jose Francisco Ruiz
- · Josepha Hernandez
Related events
- · Texas Declaration of Independence (1836)
Themes & tags
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