Silver Mine Pass

Historical marker location:
FM 83 and 127, Concan, Texas
( (On Highway 83 at intersection with Highway 127 South); from Uvalde, take Highway 83 North about 20 miles to intersection with 127 East - marker fronts Highway 83 at intersection.)
Marker installed: 1968
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Named for silver mine opened near pass by Spaniards in 1700s or earlier. Ore was inferior, and mine was abandoned; but 14 shafts (some interconnecting) remain. Near the mine are remnants of a fortification made by 30 men under the leadership of James Bowie, later (1836) a hero of the siege to the Alamo. In 1831, while at work at this mine, Bowie's men repulsed a Comanche attack in a fierce, all-day battle. Hero of the fight was Bowie's slave, "Black Jim Bowie," who risked his life by leaving the fortification to bring water to the besieged.

1968

  A brief timeline of the Texas Revolution
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Texas becomes a part of the Mexican territory.

  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes a constitution, known as the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.

  • 1826: The Fredonian Rebellion occurs when Haden Edwards, an empresario (land agent), declares the independence of the Republic of Fredonia in East Texas. The rebellion is quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.

  • 1830: The Mexican government passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes several restrictions on American immigration to Texas and increases Mexican control over the region. This leads to growing tensions between Mexican authorities and the Anglo-American settlers.

  • 1832: The Battle of Velasco takes place between Texian settlers and Mexican forces near the town of Velasco. The Texians win the battle, which marks one of the early armed conflicts in the region.

  • 1835: The Texas Revolution officially begins with the Battle of Gonzales. Texian rebels refuse to surrender a cannon, and Mexican troops are sent to retrieve it. However, the Texians successfully defend the cannon, which has a flag with the words "Come and Take It" painted on it.

  • October 1835: Texian forces capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad, marking a significant victory for the revolutionaries.

  • November 1835: The Consultation, a provisional government, is established by the Texian rebels. They declare loyalty to Mexico while seeking a restoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and the removal of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.

  • December 1835: Texian rebels, under the command of Ben Milam, capture San Antonio de Béxar after a 13-day siege. Mexican forces under General Martín Perfecto de Cos surrender, giving the Texians control of the city.

  • March 1836: The Texian garrison at the Alamo, in San Antonio, is besieged by a large Mexican force under General Santa Anna. The battle lasts for 13 days, and despite fierce resistance, the defenders are overwhelmed, and all are killed.

  • March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted at the Convention of 1836, held at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Texas declares itself as an independent republic.

  • March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre takes place when General Santa Anna orders the execution of around 350 Texian prisoners of war at Goliad.

  • April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto occurs near the present-day city of Houston. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian army defeats the Mexican forces, capturing Santa Anna himself. The battle lasts only 18 minutes and is a decisive victory for the Texians.

  • May 14, 1836: The Treaties of Velasco are signed, officially ending the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna, as a prisoner, signs the treaties recognizing Texas as an independent republic and agreeing to withdraw Mexican troops from the region.

  • October 22, 1836: Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.

This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the Texas Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous smaller engagements and political developments throughout the conflict.

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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The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Uvalde County, located in southwest Texas, has a rich and varied history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was originally home to various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecans and Lipan Apaches, who hunted and camped along the rivers and springs of the region. In the 18th century, Spanish explorers and missionaries began to settle in the area and establish missions, bringing with them a growing Hispanic population.

In the mid-19th century, Uvalde County experienced significant settlement and development fueled by the expansion of the cattle industry. Many ranchers and cowboys moved to the area, attracted by the abundant water sources and fertile grazing land. The establishment of the Great Western Cattle Trail in the late 1860s further reinforced Uvalde County's importance as a hub for the cattle industry.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Uvalde County played a significant role in various historical events. It was the birthplace of John Nance "Cactus Jack" Garner, who served as the Vice President of the United States under Franklin D. Roosevelt. The area was also a center of political activism during the Mexican Revolution, attracting prominent figures such as Francisco Madero and Pancho Villa.

In more recent years, Uvalde County has continued to evolve and grow. The development of oil and gas industries in the mid-20th century brought economic prosperity to the region. Today, Uvalde County is a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, ranching, and recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, and nature tourism, that continue to attract visitors from around the world.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Uvalde County, Texas.

  • 1850: Uvalde County established as a county of the Republic of Texas
  • 1855: First permanent settlers arrive in the area
  • 1866: Fort Inge established as a military outpost
  • 1881: Railroad reaches Uvalde, spurring growth and development
  • 1883: City of Uvalde officially incorporated
  • 1891: The Uvalde Asphalt Paving Company is founded
  • 1900: Uvalde becomes a center for farming and ranching
  • 1914: Uvalde County Courthouse is completed
  • 1940: Garner Field established as a training facility during World War II
  • 1981: John Nance Garner Museum opens in Uvalde
  • 1998: Winter Garden Region becomes a major grape-growing area
  • 2010: Population of Uvalde County reaches over 26,000