Juan de Padilla

Historical marker location:

1200 S. Washington St., Amarillo, Texas

( Located across from St. Mary's in Elwood Park at the intersection of Twelfth Street and Jackson Street, Amarillo)

Marker installed: 1936

Front -

Self Sacrifice of Padre Fray Juan De Padilla - 1544;

Back -

Built to the glorious and perpetual memory of Father Fray Juan De Padilla, O.F.M. Franciscan Missionary, first martyr for Christianity in the United States and in Texas;

Accompanied the Coronado Expedition to Palo Duro Canyon, went with Francisco Vasquez de Coronado and his chosen party in search of La Gran Quivira;

Returned soon and began his zealous labors for the civilizing and christianizing of the Wichita and other Indian nations in the region of the Texas Panhandle;

His martyrdom occurred in 1544;

Erected jointly by the State of Texas and the Texas Knights of Columbus in 1936.

Exploration and expeditions Spanish immigrants immigration religious leaders Presbyterian denomination