Near this site (about 2.5 mi. N on Cibolo Creek) stood the 18th-century Spanish fort of El Fuerte de Santa Cruz del Cibolo, usually called El Fuerte del Cibolo or El Cibolo. Built to protect the many Spanish ranches between San Antonio and La Bahia (now Goliad), the fort was occupied first from 1734 to 1737, and again from 1771 to 1782. The land between the San Antonio River and Cibolo Creek, called "El Rincon", was part of an area deeded by the King of Spain to missions and many private individuals. The site of El Fuerte del Cibolo was part of a private ranch called El Rancho de San Bartolo which belonged to Andres Hernandez. In 1772 the Spanish government formally authorized the establishment of fifteen presidios (forts) from California to Texas. El Fuerte del Cibolo, which had been reactivated in 1771, came under that authorization and remained an active fort until 1782. Twenty soldiers were stationed at El Fuerte del Cibolo on July 4, 1776. Some of them helped move cattle and horses from this area to the Gulf Coast, where Spanish forces under Gen. Bernardo de Galvez defeated the British during the American Revolution, thereby contributing to the winning of American independence. INCISE ON REVERSE: Erected by the Cestohowa-Pawelekville Chamber of Commerce in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492
El Fuerte del Cibolo
The roadside stories worth pulling over for.
El Fuerte del Cibolo is a historical marker in Cestohowa, Karnes County, dedicated in 1991. It is one of 26 historical markers documented in Karnes County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 45 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 29.0122, -97.9341 near Cestohowa. The nearest cataloged historic site is Cestohowa Mexican Community Cemetery (cemetery), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include John Gawlik House, First Store in Panna Maria, and Pilarczyk Store.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5255001418. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
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