Why “Mexican Hill”? The name itself hints at a story. The Mexican Hill Plaque marks a place of significant, yet often overlooked, history here in Houston. It’s a story of compassion during a tumultuous time.
This plaque commemorates the location where Judge William Hardin cared for Mexican prisoners. These prisoners were captured at the Battle of San Jacinto. It’s a fascinating tale of unlikely hospitality.
Judge Hardin stepped up when the Texas government struggled to provide for these prisoners. Provisions were scarce. The threat of General Filisola loomed large. President Burnet sought a solution and found it in Hardin.
In 1836, Hardin was asked to take care of thirty or more prisoners. Eventually, he took charge of sixty. Among them were General Martin Perfecto de Cos and Colonel Pedro Delgado. These were significant figures in the Mexican army.
Delgado later wrote about their time at Hardin’s plantation. His account paints a picture of unexpected kindness. He spoke of the mild climate. He also mentioned wholesome water and the liberty they experienced.
Judge Hardin offered the best conditions he could. He gave up his own house for the sick prisoners. He even built a new frame house at his own expense. This was to protect them from the rain and cold.
Hardin’s wife also showed remarkable generosity. She provided the prisoners with seasoned beef and bacon. She also gave them coffee, sugar, and bread. It was whatever she had on her own table.
The Texas government, however, struggled to provide adequate rations. Meat and salt were often the only provisions. When supplies ran low, Hardin would butcher a beef. Then he would send it to the prisoners’ quarters.
This kindness stood in stark contrast to the government’s difficulties. Cattle were even being driven east of the Sabine. The government tried to stop this. A letter from Secretary of War Thomas Rusk highlighted the severity of the situation.
In April 1837, the Texas government paroled the Mexican prisoners at Liberty. The exact location where they were held remained unknown for some time. Deed and probate records show that Judge Hardin owned a large area. This area was at the crest of what became known as Mexican Hill.
Initially, it was also known as Beaumont Hill and Shelby Hill. A Texas Centennial Marker was placed here in 1936. This honored the history of “Mexican Hill”. Sadly, it was later destroyed in accidents along Highway 90.
A new Texas Historical Commission marker replaced it. It stands east of the original site along Highway 90. This plaque reminds us of Judge Hardin’s compassion. It also highlights the complex history of Texas. It serves as a reminder of a time when humanity transcended conflict. The Mexican Hill Plaque marks not just a location. It signifies an act of profound human kindness.