The Memorial to Mexico - Burnet Park, Baytown, TX
Posted by: jhuoni
N 29° 46.862 W 095° 03.074
15R E 301709 N 3296286
Burnet Park was once Oakland, the Burnet homesite. It is now a community park. A series of informative markers highlight the life of David G. Burnet, the First President of the Republic of Texas.
Waymark Code: WMXXCC
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/12/2018
Views: 1
David G. Burnet - Statesman
The Memorial To Mexico
David G Burnet was a member of both the 1832 and 1833 conventions at San Felipe de Austin, the informal capital of empresario Stephen F. Austin Texas colony. Delegates to both conventions gathered to plea with the Mexican government for Texas to be declared an independent state within the country of Mexico, rather than continue to be part of the state of Coahuila. Not all Texans approved of these gatherings. The political leaders in Bexar (San Antonio) refused to send delegates as did several other towns.
During the 1833 convention, two committees were formed. One, led by Sam Houston, crafted a proposed constitution to be presented to the Mexican government. Burnett led the committee which crafted the “memorial” to the Mexican government outlining the advantages of the Texan argument and the strengths of the proposed new government. Burnett is regarded by most historians as being the only writer of the document.
San Felipe de Austin was a political and commercial nexus of the territory, second in importance only to San Antonio de Bexar. Stephen F. Austin was elected by the 1833 convention to deliver both documents and personally plea for the Texas cause. Austin was arrested by an angered Santa Ana, President of Mexico, and remained in jail without trial for two years.
About the Park
David G. Burnet Memorial Park is a 6.3 acre park located east of the Lynchburg Ferries north landing. This historic park is named after David G. Burnet, first President of the Republic of Texas. In addition to conventional park amenities there is a 1/4 mile jogging trail, educational plaza, historical marker, plaques and kiosks emphasizing the history of the park as Burnets home site and the shared history with the Lynchburg ferry and San Jacinto battleground. Also on site is pavilion replica of the Burnet homestead. Take time to visit the Park to learn more about David G. Burnet and the role he and others played in Texas history.