Historical Marker

Francisco Madero in Texas

Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Francisco Ignacio Madero, a Mexican revolutionary and president known as the “Apostle of Democracy," was born in 1873 to an affluent family with long Texas connections. He ran against Mexican ruler Porfirio Díaz in the 1910 presidential election, and Díaz ordered his arrest in San Luis Potosí. Upon his release on bail, Madero escaped, crossing the U.S. border into Laredo. He moved to San Antonio, selecting this site of the former Hutchins Hotel as headquarters. Here, he wrote the plan of San Luis Potosí, an influential document prompting political change in Mexico. He later moved to New Orleans and then Dallas before returning to Mexico, where a full rebellion had begun in November. San Antonio remained a vital center of operations. Madero became president in 1911, but a coup forced him from office in 1913, followed by his assassination.

Francisco Ignacio Madero, revolucionario y presidente mexicano conocido como “el apóstol de la democracia,” nació en 1873 en el seno de una familia prominente con contactos estables en texas. Madero se opuso al gobernante mexicano porfirio díaz en las elecciones presidenciales de 1910. Díaz ordenó su arresto en san luis potosí. Tras su liberación bajo fianza, madero escapó, cruzando la frontera con estados unidos por laredo. Se trasladó a San Antonio, escogiendo este emplazamiento del antiguo hotel hutchins como cuartel general. Aquí escribió el “plan de san luis potosí,” un influyente documento que propulsaba el cambio político en méxico. Más tarde, madero se trasladó a nueva orleans y después a dallas antes de regresar a méxico donde una gran rebelión había comenzado en noviembre. San antonio continuó siendo un centro de operaciones vital. Madero llegó a presidente en 1911, pero fue derrocado en un golpe de estado en 1913, y posteriormente fue asesinado

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.