Milam Park

Last updated
Milam Park
Benjamin Milam Monument.jpg
The Benjamin Milam Statue at Milam Park
USA Texas location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Usa edcp location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location500 W. Houston St.
San Antonio, Texas, United States
Coordinates 29°25′34″N98°29′58″W / 29.426049°N 98.4994716°W / 29.426049; -98.4994716
Area3.6 acres (1.5 ha)
CreatedJanuary 7, 1884;140 years ago (1884-01-07)
Operated byCity of San Antonio
Website Official website

Milam Park, formerly Milam Square, is an urban park located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, United States. Originally used as a burial ground, the park was established in 1884. It is named after Benjamin Milam, whose remains are interred under a monument on the west end of the park.

Contents

History

Founding

The modern history of the site dates back to 1848, when it was designated for use as a city cemetery. [1] It adjoined a Catholic cemetery called El Campo Santo, over which the Santa Rosa Hospital now sits. However, the population quickly outgrew the burial ground. In the 1860s, the cemetery closed and the city planned to convert it into a public park. Most families moved their loved ones' burials elsewhere. [1] Although no remains (besides Benjamin Milam's) are known to have been uncovered inside the park since its opening, evidence of burials have been recovered from excavations and streetworks in the immediate vicinity. [2] In 1883, the city officially established Milam Square, dedicating it on January 7, 1884. [3] By 1885, sidewalks had been paved over, greenery planted, and the park was fully opened to the public. [1] A bandstand was erected about 1903 but was torn down in 1908 for unknown reasons. [4] In 1936, a memorial statue to Ben Milam was placed over his gravesite in the center of the park.

Redevelopment

Milam Park underwent a large redevelopment in the 1970s, undertaken in tandem with rejuvenation of the Market Square to the south of the park. $374,210 in funding was awarded by the San Antonio Development Agency for the project in 1975. Landschape architect Jim Keeter was hired to design the park, while Bill Shannon, Inc. was contracted to carry out the works. [5] The Friends of Milam Park was established as a branch of the San Antonio Parks Foundation by Drs. Carlos Orozco and Hugo Castaneda to oversee and fundraise for the works. Under this organization, several new amenities were added. [1]

These works coincided with two heated controversies over the works. The first major issue was raised by locals over the site originally being a religious burial ground, the possibility that works could disturb any remaining graves, and its continued use as a park. [6] The Texas Hispanic-American History Foundation asked that the area be commemorated as a Catholic cemetery and the statue of Ben Milam be removed. The San Antonio Development Agency, in charge of the renovations, declined these requests. [7] The second issue was with 8-foot-tall (2.4 m) spine walls that had been erected in the park during construction. Locals complained the walls were both a public safety hazard and visually displeasing. [8]

Features

The two main features of Milam Park are the Jalisco Pavilion, a gazebo at the center of the park; and the Ben Milam Statue, a monument to Texas Revolutionary Benjamin Milam. The park also features walking and jogging trails, exercise equipment, a playground, and games tables. [9] Just north of the Jalisco Pavilion is a 2009 monument to Emma Tenayuca, who frequented the park as a child. [10] In the northwest corner near the Ben Milam Statue is another historical marker honoring Henry Karnes, another Texas Revolutionary. [11]

Jalisco Pavilion

The Jalisco Pavilion sits at the park's center. It was designed by Jalisco architect Salvador de Alba Martin as park of the park's renovations in the 1990s. It is 26 feet (7.9 m) wide with a cantera base and a copper domed roof, supported by cast iron railings and columns. The gazebo is sometimes used for weddings. [9]

Ben Milam Statue

Ben Milam Statue
Built1938;86 years ago (1938)
Sculptor Bonnie MacLeary
MPS Monuments and Buildings of the Texas Centennial
NRHP reference No. 100005535 [3]
Added to NRHPFebruary 6, 2020

Benjamin Rush Milam was a Texas Revolutionary who was killed during the Siege of Béxar in 1835. After the establishment of the burial ground, his remains—as well as those of other Texas Revolutionaries—were moved there on December 7, 1848, but were unmarked. A movement led by Valentine Overton King in 1873 uncovered the location of the gravesite and had a marker placed there. [3] In 1883, after the cemetery had closed, the city council briefly considered reinterring Milam elsewhere but ultimately decided his remains would stay in the newly established Milam Park. [1]

In the 1930s, the centennial of Texan independence was being celebrated statewide, and with it several monuments to Texan history and its figures were erected. This surge of interest was largely driven by historical and heritage organizations, such as the De Zavala chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. De Zavala had been trying since the 1890s to have a larger monument installed on Milam's gravesite but had previously been unsuccessful in raising the proper funding. Finally, in 1936, the U.S. Texas Centennial Commission agreed to allocate the funds. Sculptor Bonnie MacLeary, whose grandfather was Valentine Overton King, was hired to create the 13-foot-tall (4.0 m) bronze cast statue of Milam, to be placed over Milam's gravesite on the west side of the park. Architect Donald S. Nelson was consulted for the design of the granite base. The sculpture was unveiled in a public ceremony on September 8, 1938. [3]

During works in 1976, amongst the chaos of the construction works, the Ben Milam Statue was moved to a corner of the park, removing any surface marking indicating the exact location of Milam's burial. In 1993, Milam's remains were rediscovered near the center of the park, underneath where the gazebo now sits. [12] The remains were exhumed and sent to the University of Texas at San Antonio for archaeological study. They were subsequently reinterred the following year at the base of the Ben Milam Statue, underneath a raised horizontal granite slab. [3]

Several sidewalks converge at a small plaza, with the monument itself in the center. The statue of Milam, posed with a flintlock rifle raised above his head, sits atop an octagonal granite pillar on a square base, facing east towards downtown and the Alamo. The monument was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 16, 2020. [3]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A. P. Hill</span> Confederate Army general (1825–1865)

Ambrose Powell Hill Jr. was a Confederate general who was killed in the American Civil War. He is usually referred to as A. P. Hill to differentiate him from Confederate general Daniel Harvey Hill, who was unrelated.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cataraqui Cemetery</span> Historic cemetery in Frontenac County, Ontario, Canada

Cataraqui Cemetery is a non-denominational cemetery located in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Founded in 1850, it predates Canadian Confederation, and continues as an active burial ground. The cemetery is 91 acres in a rural setting with rolling wooded terrain, ponds and watercourses. More than 46,000 individuals are interred within the grounds, and it is the final resting place of many prominent Canadians, including the burial site of Canada's first prime minister, John A. Macdonald. The Macdonald family gravesite, and the cemetery itself, are both designated as National Historic Sites of Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta)</span> Historic garden cemetery in Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Oakland Cemetery is one of the largest cemetery green spaces in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. Founded as Atlanta Cemetery in 1850 on six acres (2.4 hectares) of land southeast of the city, it was renamed in 1872 to reflect the large number of oak and magnolia trees growing in the area. By that time, the city had grown and the cemetery had enlarged correspondingly to the current 48 acres (190,000 m2). Since then, Atlanta has continued to expand so that the cemetery is now located in the center of the city. Oakland is an excellent example of a Victorian-style cemetery, and reflects the "garden cemetery" movement started and exemplified by Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery</span> Historic veterans cemetery in San Diego, California

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery is a federal military cemetery in the city of San Diego, California. It is located on the grounds of the former Army coastal artillery station Fort Rosecrans and is administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The cemetery is located approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of Downtown San Diego, overlooking San Diego Bay and the city from one side, and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Fort Rosecrans is named after William Starke Rosecrans, a Union general in the American Civil War. The cemetery was registered as California Historical Landmark #55 on December 6, 1932. The cemetery is spread out over 77.5 acres (31.4 ha) located on both sides of Catalina Blvd.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenwood Cemetery (Houston, Texas)</span> Cemetery in Houston, Texas

Glenwood Cemetery is located in Houston, Texas, United States. Developed in 1871, the first professionally designed cemetery in the city accepted its first burial in 1872. Its location at Washington Avenue overlooking Buffalo Bayou served as an entertainment attraction in the 1880s. The design was based on principles for garden cemeteries, breaking the pattern of the typical gridiron layouts of most Houston cemeteries. Many influential people lay to rest at Glenwood, making it the "River Oaks of the dead." As of 2018, Glenwood includes the annexed property of the adjacent Washington Cemetery, creating a total area of 84 acres (34 ha) with 18 acres (7.3 ha) still undeveloped.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pompeo Coppini</span> American sculptor

Pompeo Luigi Coppini was an Italian born sculptor who emigrated to the United States. Although his works can be found in Italy, Mexico and a number of U.S. states, the majority of his work can be found in Texas. He is particularly famous for the Alamo Plaza work, Spirit of Sacrifice, a.k.a. The Alamo Cenotaph, as well as numerous statues honoring Texan figures, such as Lawrence Sullivan Ross, the fourth President of Texas A&M University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas State Cemetery</span> United States historic place

The Texas State Cemetery (TSC) is a cemetery located on about 22 acres (8.9 ha) just east of downtown Austin, the capital of the U.S. state of Texas. Originally the burial place of Edward Burleson, Texas Revolutionary general and vice-president of the Republic of Texas, it was expanded into a Confederate cemetery during the Civil War. Later it was expanded again to include the graves and cenotaphs of prominent Texans and their spouses.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Laurel Hill Cemetery</span> Historic cemetery in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US

Laurel Hill Cemetery, also called Laurel Hill East to distinguish it from the affiliated West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd, is a historic rural cemetery in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia. Founded in 1836, it was the second major rural cemetery in the United States after Mount Auburn Cemetery in Boston, Massachusetts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Henry Karnes</span> Texas Ranger

Henry Wax Karnes was notable as a soldier and figure of the Texas Revolution, as well as the commander of General Sam Houston's "Spy Squad" at the Battle of San Jacinto.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Benjamin Milam</span> American soldier, trader and Texan revolutionary

Benjamin Rush Milam was an American colonist of Mexican Texas and a military leader and hero of the Texas Revolution. A native of what is now Kentucky, Milam fought beside American interests during the Mexican War of Independence and later joined the Texians in their own fight for independence, for which he assumed a leadership role. Persuading the weary Texians not to back down during the Siege of Béxar, Milam was killed in action while leading an assault into the city that eventually resulted in the Mexican Army's surrender. Milam County, Texas and the town of Milam are named in his honor, as are many other placenames and civic works throughout Texas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oaklawn Cemetery</span> First public burial ground in Tampa, Florida, United States

Oaklawn Cemetery is the first public burial ground in Tampa, Florida, United States. The location was deeded in the mid-19th century and was described as the final resting place for "White and Slave, Rich and Poor." Oaklawn Cemetery is located at the intersection of Morgan Street and Harrison Street in downtown Tampa, about two blocks South of I-275. It has approximately 1,700 graves.

Confederate monuments and memorials in the United States include public displays and symbols of the Confederate States of America (CSA), Confederate leaders, or Confederate soldiers of the American Civil War. Many monuments and memorials have been or will be removed under great controversy. Part of the commemoration of the American Civil War, these symbols include monuments and statues, flags, holidays and other observances, and the names of schools, roads, parks, bridges, buildings, counties, cities, lakes, dams, military bases, and other public structures. In a December 2018 special report, Smithsonian Magazine stated, "over the past ten years, taxpayers have directed at least $40 million to Confederate monuments—statues, homes, parks, museums, libraries, and cemeteries—and to Confederate heritage organizations."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milam Building</span> Historic high-rise building in San Antonio Texas

The Milam Building is a historic 21-story building in downtown San Antonio, Texas. Built in 1928, it was the tallest building in San Antonio and the tallest brick and reinforced concrete structure in the United States standing at 280 feet (90 m). It is also known to be the first high-rise air-conditioned office building in the United States. The building was designed by George Willis, engineered by M.L. Diver, and constructed by L.T. Wright and Company. The building was named in honor of the Republic of Texas historical figure Benjamin Milam, noted for his leadership during the Texas Revolution. In keeping with that motif, the only flag that flies atop the tower is the Lone Star flag.

Paula Losoya Taylor was one of the founders of San Felipe Del Rio in Texas. Her hacienda in Del Rio became a major employer in the region, and an important gathering spot for worship, discussion, and more. Taylor donated land to create a Catholic cemetery, a fort, and schools in Del Rio.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Removal of Confederate monuments and memorials</span> Ongoing development in the United States

There are more than 160 monuments and memorials to the Confederate States of America and associated figures that have been removed from public spaces in the United States, all but five of which have been since 2015. Some have been removed by state and local governments; others have been torn down by protestors.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Portsmouth African Burying Ground</span> Memorial park in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States

The Portsmouth African Burying Ground is a memorial park on Chestnut Street in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, United States. The memorial park sits on top of an 18th century gravesite containing almost two hundred freed and enslaved African people. It is the only archeologically verified African burying ground for the time period in New England.

Frederick Douglass Memorial Park is a historic cemetery for African Americans in the Oakwood neighborhood of Staten Island, New York. It is named for abolitionist, orator, statesman, and author Frederick Douglass (1818–1895), although he is not buried there. It has burial sites for numerous prominent African Americans, including a pioneering journalist, athletes, musicians, performers, political leaders, and business people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old San Antonio City Cemeteries Historic District</span> Historic district in Texas, United States

The Old San Antonio City Cemeteries Historic District, also known as the Eastside Cemetery Historic District, is a 103-acre complex collection of the oldest cemeteries in San Antonio, all established between 1853 and 1904. The individual cemeteries in the district were once part of land acreage that the City of San Antonio parceled off and sold to local churches and other organizations to be used as their private cemeteries. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000.

The cemeteries are notable for their layout and size, their diversity of design, their funerary monuments, and for the array of community leaders interred there. While burials in 24 of the cemeteries are predominantly Anglo, seven cemeteries are solely or largely African American. There are scattered Hispanic burials, though the majority of Hispanics in the 19th century were interred in San Fernando Cemetery, established in ca. 1855 on San Antonio's west side.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Milam Park History". City of San Antonio. City of San Antonio. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  2. Sauers, Camille (August 20, 2021). "A brief and controversial history of former San Antonio cemetery Milam Park". My San Antonio. Hearst Newspapers. Retrieved December 17, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "NRHP Nomination Form: Ben Milam Statue" (PDF). Texas Historic Sites Atlas. Texas Historical Commission. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  4. "Want Place for the Speaker". San Antonio Express. San Antonio, Texas. April 7, 1908. p. 4. Retrieved December 17, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  5. "Park contract awarded". San Antonio Express. San Antonio, Texas. October 8, 1975. p. 16-A. Retrieved December 17, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  6. Delgado, Gloria (December 14, 1975). "Navarro descendent fights for S.A.'s first cemetery". San Antonio Express. San Antonio, Texas. p. 2-N. Retrieved December 17, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  7. Weser, Deborah (September 13, 1972). "Historic Debate Again Is Looming". San Antonio Express. San Antonio, Texas. p. 2-A. Retrieved December 17, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  8. Weser, Deborah (July 24, 1976). "Problem of wall becoming costly". San Antonio Express. San Antonio, Texas. p. 3-A. Retrieved December 17, 2023 via Newspapers.com.
  9. 1 2 "Milam Park". City of San Antonio. City of San Antonio. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  10. "Emma Tenayuca". Historical Marker Database. Historical Marker Database. March 2, 2015. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  11. "Colonel Henry Wax Karnes". Historical Marker Database. Historical Marker Database. August 19, 2021. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  12. "Grave of Texas war hero Milam believed found in San Antonio". Austin American-Statesman. Austin, Texas. Associated Press. January 17, 1993. p. B8. Retrieved December 17, 2023 via Newspapers.com.