On the outer sides of the base of the monument are carved inscriptions, summarizing the salient events of the Texas revolution. Each of these eight spaces measures 25 feet by 13 feet, and the letters in the inscriptions are 8 inches in height. Written by L. W. Kemp with collaboration of Dr. E. C. Barker, Mrs. Herbert Gambrell and other historical authorities, they epitomize the whole evolution of Texas independence in approximately 600 words.
San Jacinto Memorial Monument and Museum
There are five rooms on the first floor of the monument. The entrance is through the Hall of Honor, which is flanked by two spacious rooms. The south room houses the exhibits relating to the Spanish and Mexican period of Texas history, many of them donated by Colonel and Mrs. George A. Hill, Jr. Exhibits in the north room relate to the Anglo-American period until the beginning of the War between the States. An entrance lobby from the Hall of Honor leads to the elevator which runs to the observation deck in the tower. The elevator lobby serves as a gallery for paintings. Behind the elevator is a small room connecting the north and south rooms. It is devoted to relics of domestic life.
Two great bronze plaques adorn the interior walls of the monument. One, in the south room, records the names of the 910 heroes who fought in the battle; the other, in the north room, lists the 248 men of Houston’s army, mostly sick and non-effectives, who were detailed to remain at the camp established opposite Harrisburg. The lists were compiled by L. W. Kemp. In this booklet they were revised to January 1, 1947.
The monument was designed by Alfred C. Finn and was constructed by the W. S. Bellows Construction Company of Houston.
Operation and maintenance of the monument and museum is financed, without cost to the State, by receipts from a small fee charged for riding the elevator to the observation tower, and by the sale of souvenirs. The San Jacinto Museum of History Association, which operates the monument, is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of Texas, November 7, 1938. Members of the Association’s board of trustees are nominated by the San Jacinto State Park Board and approved by the State Board of Control.
THE FIELD OF ST. HYACINTH
It is told that Franciscan friars of Mexico, exploring the Texas coast during the period 1751-1772, found the stream now known as San Jacinto River so choked with water hyacinths (a mauve species of lily that still abounds in this region) that they could not pass. They called it the “hyacinth stream.” From that name evolved “San Jacinto”—Spanish for “Saint Hyacinth.”
Legend has it that Adjutant General John A. Wharton gave the battlefield its name. Santa Anna, shortly after being captured, while conversing with a group of Texan officers inquired concerning the correct name of the field. One officer is supposed to have answered “Lynchburg,” but Wharton suggested “San Jacinto.”