What whispers of captivity and resilience linger around the Perote Prisoners Plaque? Here we stand before a marker. It commemorates a dark chapter in Texas history. The Perote Prisoners Plaque marks a site of Texan courage. It honors those captured in 1842.
Let me tell you the story of the Perote Prisoners. In September 1842 San Antonio faced a surprise attack. General Adrian Woll led about 1800 Mexican soldiers. Fifty-six Texans gathered to defend their city. They met at Samuel A. Maverick’s home. Maverick and 52 others were captured. The Mexican army marched them to Perote Prison in southern Mexico.
Imagine the arduous journey. Texans walked nearly 1800 miles over deserts. They crossed freezing mountains. Barefoot, their feet were cut by stones and cacti. They were chained. They suffered from lack of food. Some even died of the brutality.
Perote Castle was originally the Castle of San Carlos. It is located in Vera Cruz. Spanish authorities built it in the 1770s. They wanted to guard trade routes. It also served as storage for treasure bound for Spain. The Mexican government later used the stone fortress as a prison. It covered twenty-six acres. A moat surrounded it. The dungeons of Perote held many Texas prisoners.
These Texans came from three main groups. There were prisoners from the Texan Santa Fe expedition. Nicholas Dawson’s men were also imprisoned there. The Mier expedition added to their numbers. Conditions in Perote Prison were harsh. Despite being prisoners of war the Texans were forced to work. They could communicate with friends. They received money and gifts. They could even purchase some supplies.
Word of their plight reached Texas and the United States. President John Tyler instructed Waddy Thompson to negotiate their release. Thompson was the U.S. minister in Mexico. The Texas Congress allocated funds to help the Perote prisoners. Sadly the money never reached them. Many felt abandoned by their country. They believed President Sam Houston was doing nothing.
Thompson and Lord Packenham secured releases. Lord Packenham was the British minister. Sixteen Texans escaped on July 2 1843. They bored a hole in the walls. Eight were recaptured. Another sixteen escaped through a tunnel on March 25 1844. Seven of those were caught again. The Bexar prisoners were released two days earlier. This happened on March 23 1844.
The last Texas prisoners were freed on September 16 1844. About 105 men walked out of Perote. Records are incomplete. The records do not accurately show who escaped. It is also unknown who died from disease or at the hands of guards.
Among the Perote prisoners was Samuel A. Maverick. He was later elected to office. Maverick served in the Congress of the Republic of Texas. He was released on March 30 1843. His release was due to Thompson’s efforts. Dictator Santa Anna released him.
The Perote Prisoners Plaque is a testament to their suffering. It is also a symbol of their resilience. It reminds us of their contribution to Texas history. This marker was erected to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten. It stands at Soledad and West Commerce Streets. The Texas Historical Commission erected it in 1967. As you reflect on the story of the Perote Prisoners consider their enduring legacy.