Honoring Heroes: The San Jacinto Monument and its Cornerstone by Sally Anne S. Gutting On 21, 1937, construction work- its overseeing state agency, the Board of Control, held a third ers eased the cornerstone of the San Ja- and somewhat broader view of the centennial celebration. cinto Monument into place. The place- The Commission worked to supervise all centennial projects, ment was the climactic act in a political including the Centennial Exposition in Dallas, the restoration drama that had played itself out in Texas of the Alamo and Goliad, the construction of local history almost since the battle itself in 1836. The monuments around the state, and the building of the story of how this cornerstone and the San grand San Jacinto Monument, a memorial they believed Jacinto Monument were created and fi- would serve as a permanent reminder of the Centennial, nanced represents a fascinating confluence the , and the struggles of the Texans.

of three distinct views of what the memo- The DRT : PeRPeTuaTing The MeMoRy of The heRoes rialization of Texas history should be. Although men fought the , women The statewide patriotic hereditary orga- have figured prominently in its commemoration. On Novem- nization, the Daughters of the Republic of ber 6, 1891, a group of seventeen women from Galveston, Texas (DRT), worked from its inception in Brazoria County, and met at the Houston home of 1891 to promote state history and the mem- Mrs. Mary Jane Briscoe to found the Daughters of the Lone ory of Texas’ war heroes. DRT’s vision for Star Republic (later changed to the Daughters of the Repub- the San Jacinto Battlefield, the sacred space lic of Texas at the first state convention in April 1892). The they lobbied the state to purchase and im- women who met were the Texas elite — the wives, daughters, prove since the group’s launch, focused on and granddaughters of the founders of the Republic. Inspired perpetuating the memory of the heroes who by the 1891 reunion of the Texas Veterans’ Association, they actually fought for Texas’ independence. sought to memorialize their venerated ancestors and create Jesse H. Jones, Houston financier and a place of honor for them in public memory. As women and head of the federal Reconstruction Finance direct descendants of Texas heroes, the “Daughters,” as they Corporation, wanted to use the one hun- would come to be known, recognized it as their primary duty dredth anniversary of Texas’ victory over to preserve the history and culture of their state. In their Mexico to create a statewide celebration constitution they made specific claim to their duty “to secure of grand proportions that all Texans could and hallow historic spots erecting monuments thereon.”1 enjoy and celebrate their state’s great his- Later in the month of November 1891, the women of tory, especially victory in a battle that Galveston and Houston organized themselves into two chap- Jones believed fundamentally affected ters. Eight Houston women, headed by Mrs. John R. Fenn, the history of the United made the care of the San Jacinto battlefield States and the world. their top priority. They adopted the name, the The state-level Texas “San Jacinto Chapter,” and began to work (and Centennial Commission and continue to work) tirelessly for the preserva-

San Jacinto Monument, as it stands today. About the author: Sally Anne S. Gutting received a B.A. Photo: Sally Anne S. Gutting from the Johns Hopkins University and an M.A. from Rice University. She is currently a Ph. D. candidate at Rice.

6010845_UofH_Text.indd 20 10/13/10 6:12:49 AM tion of the battle site. Through their Culberson signed a bill appropriating drinking water. But the legislature re- efforts and the cooperation of the Texas $10,000 for the purchase of 250 acres sponded by appropriating only $1000, Veterans’ Association and the state gov- at the location for the creation of a an insufficient amount that was left ernment in the late nineteenth and early public park.6 Unfortunately, by 1900, unused. Following a 1903 investiga- twentieth centuries, the women secured when prices had been agreed upon with tion of the site by two state senators the state’s purchases of various parcels the numerous fractional owners of the and three state representatives hosted of land that now comprise the San original McCormick land, the state by the Daughters, the officials recom- Jacinto Battleground State Historical had gone $400 over budget. The San mended the appropriation of $30,000 Site. They have also worked to beautify Jacinto Chapter stepped in and donated for improvements and the establish- the area and erect historical markers the necessary funds, finalizing the pur- ment of a Board of Trustees, a major- memorializing the achievements of chase of slightly more than 336 acres.7 ity of whom were to be Daughters. ’s army and marking the On June 4, 1901, the San Jacinto The Texas Legislature approved only 2 actual sites of historical importance. Chapter hosted a tour of the battlefield $20,000, but Governor S. W. T. Lan- At the time the San Jacinto Chapter with a small group of state officials ham vetoed the bill. The Daughters organized in 1891, the battleground involved in the land purchase. Along came through again for San Jacinto, had fallen into disrepair. In 1836, the on the trip was James Washington loaning $600 of its own money to make 10 land belonged to Peggy McCormick, Winters, Jr., of Big Foot, Texas, one of the most pressing enhancements. the widow of Arthur McCormick, only five living survivors of the battle Governor Thomas M. Campbell who received the land through a deed and the last one physically able to signed Senate Bill Number 18, ap- issued by Empresario Stephen F. Aus- make the journey. Winters described propriating the money to buy fourteen tin on August 10, 1824.3 Following the battle and pointed out twelve sites acres of property fronting Buffalo Bay- the battle, McCormick petitioned of particular note, including the loca- ou and for basic improvements in 1907. the new government for damages tion of the famed Twin Sister’s cannons The bill also provided for a three-person that she never received, and eventu- and the locations of Santa Anna’s and San Jacinto State Park Commission to ally, she sold most of the land before Sam Houston’s camps. The Daugh- oversee the site’s upkeep. In appreciation her tragic death in the 1850s.4 ters temporarily marked these twelve to the women of the San Jacinto Chap- Much to McCormick’s annoyance, locations with twelve-foot galvanized ter, the text of the bill specified “that her privately-held land almost immedi- pipes driven nine feet into the ground, one or more of said commissioners may, ately became a tourist attraction. Sev- and in 1912 the San Jacinto Chapter in the discretion of the Governor, be eral early San Jacinto Day celebrations spent $650 to replace the twelve pipes selected from the patriotic organization took place at the site, including the and mark eight other sites with twenty known as San Jacinto Chapter, Daugh- 1856 meeting of a group of Texas vet- large, permanent granite boulders that ters of the Republic of Texas, or from 8 11 erans that later became the Texas Vet- remain at the battleground park. any kindred organization.” With this erans Association (TVA). At this time, In 1901, when the group toured the act, the state established the San Jacinto former Governor Francis R. Lubbock battlefield, there was nothing but a State Park as Texas’ first state park, established a fund, eventually entrusted cemetery and a large unfenced area.9 unifying lands owned and improved to the San Jacinto Chapter, to build a The chapter petitioned the legislature upon by the Daughters. Although the proper monument to commemorate the for $25,000 to improve the land, in- state now owned the land and had battle. In May 1883, the state, at the cluding digging an artesian well for organized an advisory committee to urging of the TVA and others, bought ten acres of the battleground site where a community cemetery had developed around the graves of fallen San Ja- cinto heroes, and a marker commonly referred as the Brigham Monument had been erected by TVA members.5 Immediately after its founding in 1891, the San Jacinto Chapter began active involvement with the battlefield. The group hosted many trips for vet- erans, state legislators, and Houston businessmen to the site. With the TVA, the women petitioned the state govern- ment to purchase the entire battle site, and in 1897, Governor Charles Allen San Jacinto Memorial, September 18, 1936. Courtesy W.S. Bellows Construction, Inc. Houston History Volume 4, number 2 spring 2007 21

6010845_UofH_Text.indd 21 10/13/10 6:12:50 AM maintain it, the women of the San tion to be held in the Senate Chamber told listeners he believed “our history Jacinto Chapter continued to involve of the State Capitol on February 12, is so rich and colorful and interesting themselves in the preservation of the 1924, and both Governor Neff and the and romantic” that Texans could hold site and worked to keep the memory of Committee issued press releases urging a celebration that would attract inter- the battle in the minds of all Texans.12 all Texans to attend the meeting in Aus- national attention. Jones recognized 17 In 1936, Texas celebrated the centen- tin. More than one thousand people that the state of Texas was too large for nial of its victory over Mexico. Who came, and the group vowed their sup- a single exposition and pointed out that originated the idea to host a state cen- port to a “Texas Centennial Exposition, Houstonians and Dallasites would not tennial celebration is debatable. Gov- bold enough to please the still hearts of be enthusiastically attracted to an expo- ernor James Stephen Hogg is believed Austin, Travis and Houston, and big sition held in each other’s cities. Jones’ to have spoken hopefully in 1903 that enough to mirror the accomplishments vision for the centennial did include an Texas would appropriately observe the of Texas to the sons and daughters of expanded State Fair of Texas at its per- 18 event, and so-called “Centennial Clubs” earth.” A new “Centennial Governing manent fairgrounds in Dallas, but more emerged around the state by 1915.13 Board of One Hundred” was organized importantly to Jones, it included the Most Centennial literature states that out of the Survey Committee, and first celebration of all of Texas’ history in the the idea came at a meeting during the met in January 1925. It was not until statewide creation of monuments and Tenth District Convention of the As- April 1926, however, that the group’s state parks and also the presentation sociated Advertising Clubs of America, first choice for permanent chairman, of pageants and reenactments celebrat- 19 held in early November 1923 in Cor- Jesse H. Jones, agreed to serve. ing Texas history. At San Jacinto, Jones 14 sicana. New Yorker Theodore Price Jesse Jones: The Vision envisioned a great celebration, reenact- gave the keynote address, “What Texas anD The financing ment, and pageant in addition to the construction of a monument to the val- Has to Advertise and How to Advertise Two years later, on March 31, 1928, It.” Price spoke at the convention as the iant Texans who fought and died there. Jones publicly presented his vision for Although Jones would become influen- editor and publisher of Commerce and a centennial at a Fort Worth Exchange Finance, a weekly business newspaper. tial in the appropriation of federal funds Club dinner in his honor. He declared for the Texas Centennial celebrations, He believed that a large celebration “the day of the world’s fair is past” but of Texas history and its industrial and he concluded his speech with his “ready agricultural achievements would bring worldwide attention to the state and attract millions of visitors. He mused in his speech, “I wish that I lived here, that I might have a hand in develop- ing the idea, for the picture of an International Exposition to Celebrate the Centennial of Texas inflames my imagination as I hope it may yours.”15 Delegates to the conference passed a resolution stating their desire for a grand celebration to honor both Texas’ early heroes and the achievements of the past century. Along with the Texas Press Association, the advertising club formed the Texas Centennial Survey Committee to explore statewide feeling for a Texas-sized Centennial Exhibi- tion event as suggested by Price.16 Work to organize an event suitable Bronze Sun Dial to celebrate one hundred years of Texas Memorial erected by the freedom progressed slowly. The Survey San Jacinto Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic Committee met January 8, 1924, to dis- of Texas, dedicated April cuss the exploratory research undertak- 21, 1940. Photo: Sally en in the previous few months. In co- Anne S. Gutting operation with Governor Pat M. Neff, the committee began planning an open Texas Centennial Celebration Conven- 22 Houston History Volume 4, numbernumber 2 spring 2007

6010845_UofH_Text.indd 22 10/13/10 6:12:51 AM and anxious” call to pass on the leader- was allocated “for the ship of the committee to another.20 erection and equipping Jones officially stepped down as head of a permanent memo- of the Centennial Governing Board of rial at the San Jacinto One Hundred on December 28, 1931, Battlefield commemo- at a joint meeting of the One Hundred rating that historic 24 and the new Texas Centennial Com- battle.” The act also mittee. Plans for the Centennial pro- provided for the Com- gressed as the Texas State Legislature mission of Control worked to pass the legislation necessary for Texas Centennial to hold a state-sponsored event. In celebration to make 1931, a statewide constitutional refer- a formal application for federal funds and endum had to be passed to allow state San Jacinto Monument Cornerstone, today. Photo: Sally Anne S. Gutting funds to be spent on an exposition, an federal participation event that the constitution specifically in the Centennial prohibited the state from financing.21 project and that 50 August 17, 1935, before the Commis- percent of the federal funds must be sion finalized its allocation decision. The referendum passed in November designated for local celebrations.25 In what Blanton labeled “the strongest 1931, and after a brief legislative strug- presentation of the case of San Jacinto gle both the House of Representatives In Washington, D.C., the federal Texas delegation and visiting mem- I have ever heard,” Jones called for $2 and the State Senate passed legislation million of the appropriation to be used on February 27, 1934, for the creation bers of the Commission of Control for Texas Centennial celebrations worked at San Jacinto, the Alamo, Goliad, and of a permanent Texas Centennial Com- 28 for the passage of House Joint Reso- other historic sites. Jones brought the mission composed of not less than Commission’s attention to the debt the thirty members, a Texas Centennial Ad- lution 193 and the appropriation of $3 million for the Texas Centennial people of Texas and the larger nation visory Board of not less than one hun- owed to the Texans who were mas- dred people, and the holding of a large celebration. The bill gained Congress’ central exposition. It also specified that approval on August 12, official Centennial celebrations “of a 1935, and it provided for a historical character” would be held with United States Texas Centen- local support on the appropriate histori- nial Commission to control 26 cal dates in San Antonio, Goliad, Br- the federal appropriation. enham, Nacogdoches, Huntsville, and, Texas now had the money of course, Houston.22 With the passage to create a Texas-sized cen- of this legislation, Jesse Jones and the tennial, but the question of Daughters of the Republic of Texas how to spend it remained were now certain to have their large unanswered. At the hearings centennial San Jacinto Day celebration. to distribute the $3 million A year later, on April 25, 1935, both appropriation, the president houses of the Texas Legislature passed of the planned Texas Cen- House Bill No. 11, appropriating $3 tennial Exposition at Dallas million for the funding for Texas’ 100th asked the federal commission birthday celebration. Governor James for $2 million. The following Allred signed the bill into law on , William Neal Blanton, 7. A nine-member Commission of Con- general manager of the Hous- trol for Texas Centennial Celebrations, ton Chamber of Commerce, headed by the lieutenant governor, was asked the commission for a created to supervise the appropriation. mere $350,000 to build a In addition to the $1.2 million funding memorial building for San 27 of a central exposition in Dallas, the bill Jacinto. Jesse Jones, a man appropriated $1,075,000 for Centen- dedicated to the memorial- nial celebrations and expositions outside ization of Texas history and Jesse H. Jones laying the cornerstone of San Jacinto Monument, of Dallas County.23 Specifically, the not the commercialization April 21, 1937. Courtesy Center for American History, The Alamo would receive $250,000 for res- of the Centennial, made a University of Texas at Austin, CN Number 08813, Jones (Jesse toration and celebration, and $250,000 speech to the U.S. Texas Holman) Papers, ca. 1880-1965. Centennial Commission on Houston History Volume 4, number 2 spring 2007 23

6010845_UofH_Text.indd 23 10/13/10 6:12:52 AM sacred at the Alamo and Goliad and $350,000 in order to allow one mil- eral design of the monument to the San who won at San Jacinto. He stated: lion dollars for the construction of the Jacinto heroes was simple and planned And how shall we commemorate monument, but at Jones’ urging, the before the funding had been agreed 39 them? By suitable markings and Commission amended its application upon, perhaps as early as August 1934. monuments and memorials at these September 7, 1935, to ask for a PWA However, at the end of 1936, Jones sacred places? Or shall it be by a allotment of 45 percent of the combined suggested that Finn work on sketches little bigger show? A little more state and federal appropriations, a total to “[feel] out a design for the top of the 33 ? Something that will die of $650,000. On February 11, 1936, Monument other than the star.”40 Over with the passing of the exposition? the state Board of Control accepted the the next few months, Jones and Finn Another building to be torn down? PWA’s offer of a grant “in the amount debated the design for the top of the Another department added? More of 45 percent of the cost of the Project tower – a statue of a soldier or a star. money spent to have a big time? upon completion, as determined by the Although at one point, Jones favored None of which will have any serious Federal Emergency Administration of the soldier design, by May the debate or direct connection with the sacred Public Works, but not to exceed, in any had shifted to the design of the star. 34 events we are to memorialize.29 event, the sum of $250,000.” In addi- Jones favored a star whose points rested tion to state, federal, and PWA funding, Jones continued about the purpose on the top of the monument leaving the Commis- of the centennial and the problems of open space underneath, while Finn pre- sion donated $40,000 to the effort.35 a commercialized exposition that did ferred the star resting solidly on the top The Centennial Committee now con- almost nothing to permanently rec- without the open space. Jones’ design, firmed it had the money for a San Ja- 41 ognize the efforts of the courageous of course, won out. Although Finn cinto Monument that Jesse Jones would soldiers fighting for Texas indepen- is officially credited with the design of consider suitable to commemorate the dence. He reminded the Commission the monument, according to his son, victory that brought about Texas inde- 42 that the exposition could make money full credit should rest with Jones. pendence and that he believed to be the at the gates. Jones concluded, “To me, impetus for the creation of the United it will be little less than sacrilege to States as it ultimately came to exist. spend this money for strictly exposi- tion or commercial purposes, desir- BuilDing The MonuMenT able as they are—throwing a crumb At the time of the announcement of or a white chip to the blood-tainted the allocation of $3 million in federal shrines that made Texas great: San funds on August 17, 1935, prelimi- Jacinto, the Alamo, and Goliad.”30 nary drawings for a memorial complex The same day Jones made his plea, with a central rotunda and two wings the United States Texas Centennial — one to serve as an auditorium and Commission announced the alloca- the other as a battlefield museum, tion. The Dallas Exposition would along with an outdoor amphitheater receive $1.2 million, with San Ja- — had been drawn by Houston ar- cinto and the Alamo each receiving chitect Alfred C. Finn. Jesse Jones $400,000. Goliad would receive only recommended Finn for the San Jacinto $50,000.31 Although Houstonians project, and Finn was officially named such as Houston Chamber of Com- as the head San Jacinto architect on merce president Gus S. Wortham and August 26, 1935. Finn, a close as- Hiram O. Clarke, Jr., chairman of the sociate of Jones, was named without Houston Centennial subcommittee, a traditional design competition.36 expressed excitement over the amount, Although Finn was the official archi- Jesse Jones was disappointed in what tect, he took his inspiration for the pres- he considered to be the wasting of $1.2 ent monument from Jesse Jones. Jones’ million federal dollars on the commer- biographer, Bascom N. Timmons, wrote cial Centennial Exposition in Dallas.32 that Jones drew the plans himself with Nevertheless, the state Commis- the topped sion of Control for Texas Centennial by a star placed on top of the Lincoln Celebrations progressed with its lofty Memorial as inspiration.37 Finn him- San Jacinto Monument in Progress, May 31, plans for San Jacinto. The Commis- self and later his son, Alfred C. Finn, 1937. Courtesy Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin, CN Number sion planned to apply for a Public Jr., stated that Jones gave him a crude sketch of this design as well.38 The gen- 11855, Jones (Jesse Holman) Papers, ca. 1880- Works Administration grant of at least 1965.

24 Houston History Volume 4, number 2 spring 2007

6010845_UofH_Text.indd 24 10/13/10 6:12:52 AM rounded by a branch of live oak leaves to the left and a branch of olive leaves to the right. On the left of the star read “Erected” and to the right “A.D. 1936.” Below, one-and-one-fourth inch-high letters read, “This corner stone leveled by the honorable Jesse Holman Jones for the State of Texas.”46 On the right- Alfred C. Finn, Jr. and workmen hand half of the cornerstone would be on top of the Star of the San a listing of prominent state and federal Jacinto Monument, April 15, 1938. Courtesy Center officials in incised Roman letters, the for American History, The names one-and-one-forth inch and the University of Texas at Austin, positions three fourths of an inch: CN Number 11984, Jones Franklin Delano Roosevelt (Jesse Holman) Papers, ca. President of the United States 1880-1965. of America John Nance Garner Finn completed the general architec- to advertise for bids from construction Vice President of the tural plans for the construction of the companies for the actual building of United States of America monument shortly before the centen- the monument.44 At a special meet- James V. Allred nial celebration of San Jacinto Day, ing on June 4, the Board of Control Governor of the State of Texas April 21, 1936. The 100th anniversary approved Finn’s recommendation Coke R. Stevenson Speaker of the House of of victory at San Jacinto was one of the that the W. S. Bellows Construction Representatives of the State of Texas largest centennial celebrations in Texas Company of Houston be awarded the Claude D. Teer Chairman that year. Despite rain, several thou- contract to construct the monument. sand spectators attended the elaborate Its bid of $758,300 was the lowest John F. Wallace, Henry C. Meyer Members of the State Board program at the battlefield. According of the seven competing companies, of Control to newspaper reports, by 7 a.m. on and construction began in earnest on John V. Singleton 45 the day of the celebration, cars and the project shortly after June 4. Chief of Centennial Division people jammed the park’s entrance inscRiBing The coRneRsTone Erected By the State of Texas roads and all of the interior roads. The San Jacinto Chapter of the With funds appropriated by the The day-long celebration began with Daughters of the Republic of Texas had federal government and the a flag-raising ceremony of both the worked tirelessly for the battlefield in State of Texas to Commemorate Texas state flag and the United States the past, and because of their efforts, One Hundred Years of Texas Independence.47 flag by Houston-area high school they assumed a sense of ownership sur- R.O.T.C. cadets, followed by a large rounding the battleground, a feeling Upon the urging of Jones, Finn Catholic military mass honoring the that remains strong today. Because of changed the list, later in the month, heroes of San Jacinto. Four archbish- their close ties to San Jacinto, the wom- to include Walter F. Woodul, Lieu- ops, twenty-five bishops, and several en felt that they should have a say in tenant Governor of Texas. He also hundred priests and parochial school what happened to the battlefield park. expanded the dedication to read, students participated in the mass that “Erected by the federal government Jesse Jones, always the man with lasted past noon. The patriotic program and the state of Texas — dedicated to control and power (financial and sponsored by the Sons and Daugh- the heroes of the battle of San Jacinto otherwise), corresponded with Finn ters of the Republic of Texas began at whose deeds won for Texas Liberty throughout the monument’s construc- 2:30 p.m. and featured an address by and independence April 21, 1836.”48 tion and received each version of the Governor James Allred followed by the The cornerstone was to be laid on annual reading of Sam Houston’s of- cornerstone inscriptions – inscriptions that would honor those in government San Jacinto Day 1937, a celebration the ficial report of the battle. The celebra- Daughters had traditionally controlled. tion was deemed a huge success.43 who worked for the monument and se- cured its funding and construction. In At the San Jacinto Chapter’s monthly In the months following San Jacinto the first inscription plan, dated March meeting on April 1, 1937, the women Day in 1936, Finn and the Board of 18, 1937, the left-hand side of the cor- detailed their plans for the cornerstone Control continued to make progress nerstone was to blaze in three-inch-high laying. They had high expectations for st on the battle monument. The Board of incised Roman letters “San Jacinto.” the 101 anniversary, but because of the Control approved Finn’s plans on April Underneath was a Texas star sur- construction of the monument and the 25 and subsequently authorized him significance of the cornerstone place- Houston History Volume 4, number 2 spring 2007 25

6010845_UofH_Text.indd 25 10/13/10 6:12:53 AM monument was erected by the people of Texas and of the nation, without crediting a few of us who happen to be officials with it.”55 Shortly before noon on April 7, Lieutenant Governor Walter Woodul and speaker of the Texas House of Representatives Coke Stevenson also submitted requests to the Board of Control that their names be removed from the inscription.56 Despite receiving the telegrams of protest from the Sons and Daughters in Houston and the letters from All- red, Woodul, and Stevenson, Board of Control Chairman Teer and member John Wallace announced that the plans for the cornerstone would continue as planned. Wallace and Teer both stressed that the cornerstone was only Jesse H. Jones and Andrew Jackson Houston, Sam’s youngest son, with a model of the monument. Note a small part of the monument and the equestrian figures on the roof of the museum. They were not built. Courtesy San Jacinto Museum of History that the names of the heroes were to ment, they would not have exclusive Texas ask that they be given the privi- be engraved in large letters at a more control over the festivities. The Daugh- lege of reviewing the inscription to be prominent spot, the entrance to the ters would have their traditional after- placed on the San Jacinto Monument building. Furthermore, the two re- noon program with the reading of Sam before final decision is made.”51 The minded the public that engraving the Houston’s report, award the Daughters Board approved Kemp’s request and names of those connected to the project of the Republic of Texas and Sons of forwarded Finn’s plans to the chapter.52 in the cornerstone of a federal or state building was a common procedure.57 the Republic of Texas essay contest Kemp and Madge W. Hearne, presi- prizes, and provide a speaker of their dent of the San Jacinto Chapter and Hearne, Kemp, and Krahl called an choice, but the higher profile events granddaughter of Sam Houston, re- emergency joint meeting of their groups — speeches by Governor James Allred viewed the plans just over two weeks at the San Jacinto Chapter’s meeting and Jesse Jones and the placing of the before San Jacinto Day and the official house, the Log House in Houston’s monument’s cornerstone — would oc- cornerstone laying.53 Upon reading the Hermann Park, for the evening of 49 cur during the morning program. plans for the cornerstone, the women Wednesday, April 7. Sons’ President Nevertheless, the Daughters continued notified the president of the Sons of the Kenneth Krahl chaired the meeting to assert a degree of authority by ask- Republic of Texas, Kenneth Krahl, and that was announced publicly in both ing for a place on the morning program the three leaders telegraphed Claude the Houston Chronicle and the Houston and also recommending that Jesse Teer on April 7. They protested that the Post. Joined by members of the local Jones include information, provided by cornerstone would honor living men United Spanish War Veterans camp, them, in his speech “pertaining to the by proclaiming their names in promi- the group expressed their disgust part played by the San Jacinto Chapter, nent letters on the cornerstone and not with the Board of Control and Alfred Daughters of the Republic of Texas in do the same for the memory of those Finn’s decision to place the names of influencing the State to appropriate a who won independence for Texas.54 living persons on a memorial. It was fund to purchase the battlegrounds.”50 pointed out that the San Jacinto State The group also telegraphed Governor The women also wanted permission Park Commission with the Sons and Allred with their disapproval. Upon Daughters had suggested the follow- to review the inscription on the corner- receiving the telegram, his first no- stone prior to any final decision. Mrs. ing inscriptions for the cornerstone in tice that the cornerstone would name the week preceding the controversy: Carrie Franklin Kemp, acting president him, Governor Allred sent a letter to of the statewide organization and mem- the Board of Control asking that his Built in the Centennial year, A. D. ber of the San Jacinto Chapter, received name be removed, writing, “Since the 1936 by the United States of America, permission from the chapter to send a people of Texas and of the nation are the State of Texas, in memory of the telegram to Claude Teer, chairman of responsible for this monument, it oc- heroes of the battle of San Jacinto st the state Board of Control simply read- curs to me that it would be much more fought April 21 , A. D. 1836. ing, “The Daughters of the Republic of appropriate to simply state that the

26 Houston History Volume 4, number 2 spring 2007

6010845_UofH_Text.indd 26 10/13/10 6:12:53 AM On the other side, the pro- disagreed with Harris, stating that the to 5, with one senator abstaining and posed inscription read: San Jacinto Monument was special: three not present. The House of Rep- This monument is a realization of “If it were a part of a federal, city or resentatives amended S.C.R. No. 54, the effort to pay tribute hoped for state building, it would be different. removing the clause calling for the through the century. Daughters of the But when it comes to a monument of removal of names already inscribed Republic of Texas, Sons of the Repub- this kind, I don’t think any living man in existing centennial monuments lic of Texas, and patriotic friends.58 should have his name on it. If anyone’s and buildings. The Senate concurred name should go on it, why not start at with the House, and the Speaker of At the meeting, Krahl said that he the top and put in the name of every the House and president of the Senate did not see any reason for the Sons and taxpayer in the United States.”62 For- signed the resolution that same day.66 Daughters to be listed on the corner- mer Governor Ross Sterling agreed with stone of the monument, and the group The Board of Control responded Moore, saying, “there is no place on concurred. The men and women at to the resolution with frustration and that monument for a cornerstone. The the meeting agreed to support the in- uncertainty as to whether a new inscrip- monument, itself, is a cornerstone.”63 scription favored by the Spanish War tion could be decided upon and made veterans, “’Erected by the United States To the men and women meeting at ready for the planned ceremony. San of America, the State of Texas: Centen- the Log House, the San Jacinto Monu- Jacinto Day was less than two weeks nial tribute to the patriotism, sacrifice ment would not be just any federal or away, and Teer reasserted that includ- and valor of the men who here fought state project. It would not even be just ing the names of federal and state of- the battle of San Jacinto under General another Centennial monument. This ficials involved with the project on the Sam Houston, April 21, 1836.’”59 The was the monument that embodied the inscription was a standard procedure. groups adopted a resolution that stated respect Texas held for the sacrifices of He also expressed his opinion that the their desire that no living persons’ its heroes. Nothing should obscure that whole controversy seemed silly con- names be placed on the monument. fact. Armed with the new information sidering how small the cornerstone Carrie Franklin Kemp acknowledged that Allred, Woodul, and Stevenson would be. Nevertheless, the Board was 67 that the state and federal officials listed had requested removal of their names required to obey the legislation. on the cornerstone plans worked to se- from the cornerstone, the group selected Madge Hearne said to the Houston cure funds for the memorial, but urged, Madge Hearne, Kenneth Krahl, John Post regarding the controversy, “All this “Let this memorial take a broader, M. Moore, San Jacinto State Park Com- trouble could have been avoided if Mr. deeper message to future generations.”60 missioner William T. Kendall, Spanish- A.C. Finn, architect of the monument, American War veteran Guy McLaugh- In opposition to Kemp, Mrs. Eugene had treated us with the consideration to lin, and Houston Mayor Richard H. Harris, a member of the San Jacinto which we thought we were entitled…. Fonville to travel to Austin with Ster- 68 Chapter of the DRT and an officer of He treated us like children.” The ling and Kemp to meet with the Board the Houston Daughters of the Ameri- members were not children, and they of Control on Thursday, April 8.64 can Revolution, recalled for the group held a power that the Board of Control her conversations with Claude Teer and Two hours into the committee’s and Alfred Finn did not fully realize. In Alfred Finn. Stating that Teer viewed discussion with Teer and other board light of the last-minute legislation, Teer their present attitude as unfair and members, a messenger from the Capi- invited the group to propose a substi- improper, Harris repeated Teer’s offer tol interrupted the conference. The tute inscription to Louis Wiltz Kemp, that a committee composed of three or controversy over the cornerstone and chairman of the historical advisory five individuals go to Austin and meet the names of the living governmental board of the Centennial Commission. with him to discuss the cornerstone. officials had been resolved with the pas- Kemp would then make a decision and She also spoke of a conversation with sage of legislation forbidding the names recommend a proper inscription to 69 Finn in which he stated that placing of the living on centennial monuments the Board of Control for approval. 65 the selected names on the cornerstone or buildings. In the morning session Kemp met with Carrie Franklin was a usual procedure that could be of April 8, Senator Thomas Jefferson Kemp, John Moore, Hearne, Krahl, viewed the same as an artist’s signa- Holbrook of Galveston proposed Senate Kendall, and J. Perry Moore, chair- ture on a piece of work. Furthermore, Concurrent Resolution Number 54, a man of the San Jacinto State Park according to Finn, the cornerstone bill that called not only for the ending Commission, on Monday, April 12, to would be a relatively insignificant part of the practice of inscribing the names draft the new inscription for the monu- of the monument, located in a back of the living on memorials and build- ment. After a four-hour meeting, the corner of the site, not on the front ings dedicated to celebrating the Cen- group proposed that the inscription area that most visitors would see.61 tennial, but also called for the removal read, “Erected by the United States of of names from buildings and memori- Judge John M. Moore, president of America and the State of Texas, A.D. als already constructed and dedicated. the state Sons of the Republic of Texas, 1936. Dedicated to the Heroes of the The resolution passed by a vote of 22 Houston History Volume 4, number 2 spring 2007 27

6010845_UofH_Text.indd 27 10/13/10 6:12:54 AM Battle of San Jacinto and all others plauded that the state was finally build- morialized raged on for almost one hun- whose deeds won for Texas Liberty and ing a monument to honor the deeds of dred years. The events that led to con- Independence, April 21, A.D. 1836.”70 the Texans who fought for Indepen- struction of the San Jacinto Monument The Board approved the inscription, dence.74 Following Jones’ speech and the and the laying of the cornerstone illus- and Finn’s design placed it on the right sealing of historical documents into the trate that persistence usually prevails. side of the cornerstone in one-and- cornerstone, members of the Daughters At critical junctures, the DRT realized one-half inch incised Roman letters.71 of the Republic of Texas, each hold- its romantic vision of the battleground The left hand side would simply read ing individual state flags, filed by the through its organizational persistence. “SAN JACINTO” in four-inch incised cornerstone followed by members of the The group also prevailed in its view that Roman letters above an incised star of Sons of the Republic of Texas. The pa- no politicians or other living persons Texas surrounded with a branch of live triotic groups sponsored their own pro- should be honored on the cornerstone. oak leaves to the left and a branch of gram that afternoon, at which they too Of equal importance was the vision of olive leaves to the right.72 The Daugh- honored the deeds of Texans during the Jesse Jones, who thought the monument ters won their battle, and only names Texas Revolution and at San Jacinto. should be built on a heroic scale. His of Texas heroes would be mentioned. The Bellows Construction Company dream competed with those who would laying The coRneRsTone and Alfred Finn completed the San Ja- have been just as happy to spend the money on centennial celebrations and Meanwhile, the Masons of Texas cinto Monument in the first quarter of 1939, in time for its official dedication parties. These events would undoubt- protested the selection of Jesse Jones edly have remained in the memories of as the ceremonial cornerstone layer in on April 21, 1939. Upon completion, the San Jacinto monument, towering all attendees but would have been lost late March 1937. In a letter written by on future generations. In the end, the Past Grand Master, Frank C. Jones, 570 feet above ground, was the tall- est stone monument in the world.75 grand and imposing San Jacinto Monu- they argued that George Washington, ment is a memorial not only to General a Mason, laid the cornerstone of the The tall octagonal shaft topped by a star serves as a reminder of the unique Houston and his troops, but also to United States Capitol and a Mason the vision, persistence, and political had laid the cornerstone of the Texas and the sacrifices of the veterans of San Jacinto to all insight of the groups and individuals State Capitol. They also argued that who fought for its construction.  Sam Houston had presided as Chair- Texans and those who visit the site. man at the organizational meeting of Although the Daughters of the the Texas Masons and that many of Republic of Texas did not officially the Texas heroes were in fact Masons. donate money for the construction Most convincingly the Masons argued of the memorial, their contribution that Jones had been invited to lay was vital, as Houston civic leader the cornerstone by Board of Control Thomas H. Ball stated in 1937: member John Singleton without the As a man desiring to pay honor Board’s approval. The ceremony had where honor is due, I am inclined been promised to the Masons, the only to believe that, without the good organization with a cornerstone laying women who have maintained orga- ceremony. Although he was quick to nizations from colonial times until point out the generosity of Jones and the present, the busy men would acknowledge that he was a friend of not have preserved the shrines of the Masons, Frank C. Jones went so liberty such as Mount Vernon, far as to say that “it is proposed to slap the Alamo and San Jacinto.76 these Masons in the face by asking a The Daughters donated much more non-Mason, Jesse Jones, to lay this cor- for the construction of the monument ner stone.” But as the controversy over than the $1.2 million dollars given the cornerstone inscriptions emerged, by the state and federal governments the cry of the Masons faded and Jones through the years of leadership and prepared to dedicate the cornerstone.73 inspiration needed to acquire and pre- On the morning of April 21, 1937, serve the battleground. Without their Jesse Jones dedicated the large corner- work, the great monument would have stone. In his speech to several thousand cost more than only $1.2 million. spectators, Jones stressed the impor- The Battle of San Jacinto lasted only The reflection pond under construction. tance of victory at San Jacinto to the eighteen minutes. Yet the fight to con- Courtesy San Jacinto Museum of History. United States and world. He also ap- trol how it was to be permanently me-

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