THE NEXT BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO
                                                                       By Bob Jamison

          The ‘battle’ is coming and soon according to Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground President Jan DeVault. “Friends” is an important volunteer group (non profit) organized to protect the battle ground from encroachment of outside interests. Also, their interest includes the possible acquisition of vital portions of the battle grounds not currently owned by the State of Texas.

          Likely the most important of these areas is a l9 acre tract of land located on Buffalo Bayou between the Texas Army camp site and the Lynchburg Ferry. DeVault suggest there is a proposal to sell this tract for $625,000 for development. Thus the recent archeological surveys and archival research efforts revealing the historic significance of portions of the Harrisburg-Lynchburg road might be for naught! Obviously, the 19 acres is property that is a very important part of Texas history. It is owned by the estate of the late Houston attorney John O’Quinn.

          A recent ceremony at the State Capitol named the San Jacinto Battleground among seven listed for 2010 Texas’ Most Endangered Historic Places. The selection was made by Preservation Texas, Inc., a statewide partner of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

          DeVault firmly stated, “There is no reason why Texans (and others) can’t work to save their own premier Texas Revolution battle site from threats like these.” Regardless of proposed use of the property if the sale happens, the loss of the site would be significant.

          Therefore, the Friends’ immediate goal is to raise $1 million dollars by June 1, 2010 in a state wide campaign to acquire this important tract and possibly others that are proven to be a part of the battlegrounds. From that colossal battle April 2l, 1836, Texans considered the San Jacinto battlefield “hallowed ground” and “sacred soil,” said Friends’ President Jan DeVault.

          “SAVE THE SAN JACINTO BATTLEGROUND FUND,” is the campaign name. Besides the immediate need to resolve the 19 acre tract, other tracts scattered outside the state-owned property that shape the landscape of the battlefield should be protected. After all, it is part of the battlefield and should not be paved over (or worse).

          To contribute to this fund, contact Jan DeVault, Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground, 720 Houston Club Building, 8ll Rusk St., Houston, TX., 77002. All contributions to the Friends of the San Jacinto Battleground qualify as tax deductible charitable contributions in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code according to DeVault. You also may pledge contributions on-line at www.friendsofsanjacinto.org.

          The mission statement of the Friends is to preserve, protect and reclaim San Jacinto Battleground and promote historical scholarship, archeology, commemoration and public understanding of the battle of San Jacinto and the events of the Texas Revolution period. Your contribution is earnestly solicited and greatly appreciated. Timing of this effort and your consideration is extremely important.