Salado Valley

Because of fertile soil and abundant water, was a favored dwelling place and hunting ground for south Texas Indian tribes in Pre-Columbian times. In 1709 Spanish explorers discovered and named Salado Creek; soon after, this valley beame a well-known resting and watering spot between San Antonio and all points east. In 1731, with the arrival in San Antonio of the Canary Islanders (the first civilian colonists), Salado Creek became a town boundary. In 1836 Mexican Gen. Santa Anna crossed the valley prior to defeat by Texan Revolutionary forces at San Jacinto. In 1842 the valley saw two other fights against Mexican troops: the victorious "second battle of the Salado"; and "Dawson's Massacre", in which 33 Texans were slain attempting to reach safety. During the 19th century, Salado Valley was also crossed by the Goliad, Gonzales, Nacogdoches, and San Antonio roads--major travel arteries. The valley was a key to increasing United States military strength, 1876, when it became site of Fort Sam Houston. Other military units followed, including Brooks Air Force Base in 1917. Thus the valley has been an important factor in both the development and defence of Texas from Colonial to modern times.

Salado Valley is a historical marker in San Antonio, Bexar County, dedicated in 1968. It is one of 239 historical markers documented in Bexar County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 542 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.3771, -98.4301 near San Antonio. The nearest cataloged historic site is Goliad Road (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Eastview Cemetery, Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings, and Keilmann Grave.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5029004495. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.