|
|
 |
Monument
Hill and
Kreische Brewery State Historical ParksWe
will say right here and now, even if it harelips the governor, that this is the
most under-appreciated State Historic Site in the system. Although short on activities,
it should be famous if only for it's overlook of La
Grange and the Colorado River.
Architecturally it has the ruins of
the Kreische Brewery and the restored
Kreische home, both hand built
by Adolph Kreische and made from locally quarried stone.
The main attraction
is the burial vault of the men of the Somervell/ Mier Expeditions. This footnote
to Texas History is perhaps
the biggest single event to influence Mexican-Republic of Texas-United States
relations and was a major factor in the annexation of Texas to the United States.
Contact
Information:
Monument
Hill & Kreische Brewery State Historic Site
414 State Loop 92 La Grange,
TX 78945-5733
979/968-5658
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.usGetting
ThereWhere
to Stay
- La
Grange Hotels |
Statue
on Monument Hill
TE photo |
The
1936 Centennial Monument
Photo
courtesy Sarah
Reveley, February 2010 |
Monument
Hill Tomb Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February 2009 |
Historical
Marker TextMONUMENT
HILL TOMBIn September
1848, the remains of Texans killed in the 1842 Dawson
Massacre and the 1843 "Black Bean Death Lottery" were reburied at this site
in a sandstone vault. The Kreische family did its best to care for the grave during
their ownership of the property, but it suffered from lack of formal oversight.
In 1905, the state authorized acquisition of .36 acres here, and the Daughters
of the Republic of Texas raised funds for a new cover for the tomb in 1933. During
the 1936 Texas Centennial
celebration, the 48-foot shellstone shaft with a stylized, Art Deco-influenced
mural was erected to mark the mass grave more prominently. Local citizens purchased
3.54 acres as a donation to the state for parkland in 1957. |
Centennial
Monument
From
"Monuments Commemorating the Centenary of Texas Independence", State of Texas,
1938
Courtesy Sarah
Reveley |
Centennial
Monument Description
From
"Monuments Commemorating the Centenary of Texas Independence", State of Texas,
1938
Courtesy Sarah
Reveley |
Kreische
Complex Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February 2009 |
Historical
Marker Text
KREISCHE
COMPLEX
German
immigrant Heinrich Kreische (1821-1882) purchased nearly 175 acres of property
in Fayette County in 1849. A stonemason by trade, he built a house, barn and smokehouse
here on the high south bluff above the Colorado River. In the 1860s, Kreische
began brewing Bluff Beer near his homesite. Situated on the spring-fed creek,
the brewery included an elaborate tunnel system to provide temperature control
for the brewing process. Bluff Beer was sold throughout Central Texas and was
produced until 1884, two years after Kreische died in a work-related accident.
The Kreische complex stands as a reminder of German heritage and culture in this
region of the state. |
A
view of La Grange Bridges from Monument Hill
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, February 2009 |
"Soldiers
of Misfortune"
Two
exceptional books are available at the park's gift shop/museum dealing with this
misguided foray into Mexico in 1842. "Soldiers of Misfortune" by Sam
W. Haynes, and a 60.00 tome which could substitute for a blunt instrument is there
for the more than amateur historian. The author died before finishing the book
but his notes were edited and a second volume is planned. |
|
|
1842
found Austin still receiving attacks from Comanches, Mexico with a standing army
bigger than the United States (even when they sat down), and a Texan Militia wherein
insubordination was considered a virtue. Mr. Haynes' detailed book reads faster
than a mystery. If you wanted to pique a young reader's interest in Texas
History, this could be the book. ......
|
Santa Anna
We've heard many Mexicans say that Santa Anna's most noted accomplishment was
not selling the rest of Mexico to the United States. It's interesting to note
that Texas' favorite villain had a compassionate side.
Recognizing a
familiar name on the list of prisoners from the Mier Expedition, Santa Anna asked
if the prisoner was related to the Doctor who had pumped his (Santa Anna's) stomach
after his attempted suicide during his captivity. When informed "yes,"
he immediately signed his release and sent him back to Texas but only after entertaining
him in his home for two weeks.
He also offered to adopt the youngest
member of the Mier Expedition, and after the boy checked with his father (also
a prisoner) a deal was struck and John C.C. Hill became the adopted son of Santa
Anna. His Father and brother were released and went back to Fayette County. John
learned Spanish, was sent to the prestigious College of Mines and became a civil
engineer. He had a life that was several rungs up the social ladder from his poor
Fayette County family and occasionally visited the U.S. before he died in Mexico
in 1909.
Lice and typhus were two things that the Mexicans couldn't control
and the guards suffered alongside the prisoners. Strangely, personal property
was respected and prisoners who had money could buy soap, tobacco and Mescal.
Used chewing tobacco was dried and sold at half price. After it's second incarnation
it was shredded and smoked in pipes.
The names of many participants,
whether they survived or not, should be familiar to Texans, native or naturalized.
Brenham, Cameron, Daingerfield, Eastland, Hays,
Hockley, Sommervell and Wallace, just to mention a few. Invasion,
mutiny, racism, insubordination, survival, imprisonment and pestilence - there's
something for everyone.
Members
of the Mier Expedition
Member
of Captain Nicholas M. Dawson's Company of Volunteers |
The
Black Bean Episode
After the prisoners were captured, word was sent from Mexico City to execute them
all. Not wanting to provoke another war, it was decided to kill every 10th prisoner.
This was arranged by conducting a lottery of white and black beans. Although this
is referred to as the "Infamous Black Bean Episode", we find it pretty
democratic, although they had the officers draw their beans first which wouldn't
sit well with today's military.
©
John Troesser
Where
to Stay
La
Grange Hotels |
| Getting
There: If
you enter La Grange from the north,
east or west, you'll pass through downtown La Grange (one block from the intersection
of 71B and Hwy 77). On
the NE corner of the square you'll see the Muster
Oak under whose branches the men of the Somervell/Mier
expedition were sworn in. This may mean nothing to you now, but after
visiting Monument Hill you will understand its significance. This is one of the
"Famous
Trees of Texas" and while many are in their decline, the Muster Oak looks
healthier than it did in photographs from the 1940s. |
As you
leave La Grange on Hwy 77 South,
the road starts to climb and wind immediately after crossing the Colorado River.
When you reach the top, the road to the right will take you the 2/10ths of a mile
to Monument Hill State Park. This is SPUR 92. There is no light
at the top, so be careful.
Where
to Stay
La
Grange Hotels | |
| Save on Hotels
- Book Here | |
