A Thorn In His Side - Burnet Park, Baytown, TX
Posted by: 
jhuoni
N 29° 46.867 W 095° 03.077
15R E 301704 N 3296294
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: WMXXCG
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/12/2018
Views: 1
David G. Burnet - President
A Thorn In His Side
Protecting the life of Mexican General Santa Anna, prisoner of war, was David G. Burnets bravest action as president of the Republic of Texas
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Captured by Texan soldiers following the Battle of San Jacinto, Santa Anna negotiated an armistice with General Sam Houston and was turned over to president David G Burnet and the new Texas government, which was then situated in Velasco, Texas, in present-day Surfside.
Against public sentiment, Burnet chose to spare the generals life, a choice that made him extremely unpopular, but one that Burnet felt was necessary for the good of the new country. According to Burnet, “Santa Anna dead is no more than Tom, Dick, or Harry dead, but living, he may avail Texas much.”
Burnet negotiated two treaties with Santa Anna, which the captured Mexican General signed on May 14, 1836. The first treaty, the Republic the public one, ended hostiles, restored property, pulled Mexican troops behind the Rio Grande and release the prisoners from both sides. The second, a secret treaty, granted Santa Anna his freedom in exchange for Mexican recognition of Texas' Independence.
This agreement incensed the Texan army which wanted the captured Mexican President to be tried and hung in retribution for the massacre of hundreds of Rebel Texans on his orders and they blocked Santa Anna’s transport to Mexico. Members of the Army threatened Burnet with arrest and assassination for his controversial position.
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.