Historical Marker

Puerto de Baluartes (Haven of the Strong Points)

Historical marker location:
US 83, 1 mi. S of Menard, Menard, Texas
( on US 83, 1 mile S of Menard in Roadside Park)
Marker installed: 1964

In this pass between the hills--location of present day Menard--a site for an important Spanish mission to the Apaches was chosen in 1754 by Don Pedro de Rabago y Teran, second explorer sent on the assignment by the viceroy of New Spain.

Suitable to be fortified and farmed, this pass had its mission built in 1757.