The Orris D. Brown Collection, no. 2 - San Jacinto Memorial (1936-39)

Year Published: 19361939

Format: 16mm

Sound: silent

Description: This film from the Orris D. Brown Collection documents the groundbreaking, construction, and dedication of the San Jacinto Monument, spanning from the groundbreaking on April 21, 1936 to the dedication on April 21, 1939. The monument, a 570-foot shaft topped by a 34-foot star symbolizing the Lone Star Republic, is located at the site of the Battle of San Jacinto and honors all of those who fought for Texas’ independence from Mexico during the Revolution. It was designed by architect Alfred C. Finn and engineer Robert J. Cummins. The Sons and Daughters of the Republic of Texas and Houstonian Jesse H. Jones, then the Secretary of Commerce for President Roosevelt, raised the funds for the memorial to begin construction as part of the Texas Centennial celebration under the Public Works Administration. Included in the footage are scenes of Jesse Jones and Andrew Jackson Houston, son of Sam Houston, as they arrive at the groundbreaking then drive a 100 year old Texas plow pulled by two Texas longhorns, Bald and Spot, owned by prominent Texas cattleman E.H. Marks.