REVIEW: San Jacinto Monument

When I first moved to Texas I sub-contracted for the State of Texas as a substance abuse counselor in the Prison systems.  In addition to the normal and usual Federal Holidays like Labor Day, we were also granted a fistful of State Holidays including San Jacinto Day.  It was nice to have a Holiday almost every month.

Now first thing I wanted to do was pronounce Jacinto in Spanish but was quickly told that it was not pronounced in Spanish but with the soft J sound.  I relented.

So I was always fascinated with Saint Hyacinth after that stint in Prison and finally learned after 14 years in Texas, that the monument to this battle was a mere 20 miles east of Houston.  This was the battle of all battles as it granted Texas independence from Mexico. As these are desperate times and no room in the budget for my usual big Labor Day trip, boot scooted over to Houston for a day trip.

First thing you notice is that you are in the middle of refinery city.  Tanks and refineries dot the landscape for a good 10 miles before you even reach the monument.  I am sure this was pristine bayou back in 1939 when the monument was completed but today it is smelly, oily money.

$1 to get in---you can't beat that, and my adventure was to begin.  I have to admit that this monument is better looking than the Washington Monument.  Something about the crowning star that just sets the monument apart. 

Whisk up to the observation deck for a quick view of the scenery and instantly disappointed.  I had it in my head that we would get to go to the star crown for a viewing.  We were a good three stories below in the hermetically sealed, not for the claustrophobic, full of kids, observation room. The views were awesome.  Shame it was cloudy and about to rain so the view to downtown Houston was not very clear.

So I did my patriotic duty and took in a History Lesson of the San Jacinto Monument.  I live in the city with the Alamo so I guess I just need to find me other historical spots to visit soon.  Any ideas?

Pix are here.

You should do your patriotic duty and visit soon too.

PS.

The words San Jacinto pop up often in popular Texas culture.  This song from the 90s always reminds me of a special time and place.  David Garza mentions San Jacinto about 1:16.  Dude is from Austin. Enjoy. 

http://www.veoh.com/collection/David-GarzaMusic-Videos/watch/v18425127kqyZGycF#/search/videos/q/hayden

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