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

The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.