Fort Tenoxtitlan (1970)

Founded by Mexico as a bulwark against Anglo-American immigration, this fort and its nearby city were twice proposed for the capital of Texas. Alarmed by the influx of Anglo settlers into Texas, Mexico in 1830 sought to erect a line of forts to keep out the intruders. The ancient Aztec name for Mexico City (originally pronounced "Tex-ox-teet-lan") was given this site; it means "prickly pear place". So hopeful of the fort's success was the military commandant of the region that he envisioned it as the capital of Texas. But Anglo immigration did not cease. Instead it thrived on the friendship of the local soldiers and incoming pioneers. The colonizer Sterling C. Robertson introduced scores of settlers. In 1832 the soldiers were withdrawn and the fort finally defaulted to the Anglos. Subsequently it was a supply center and mustering point for expeditions against the Indians. During its brief life many Texas patriots lived here, including 5 signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, a martyr of the Alamo siege, and 7 soldiers of the Battle of San Jacinto. Tenoxtitlan was again suggested for the capital of Texas during the Republic, but Austin won out. In 1841, after many Indian raids, the site was abandoned.

Fort Tenoxtitlan is a historical marker in Caldwell, Burleson County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 68 historical markers documented in Burleson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 131 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.5812, -96.6354 near Caldwell. The nearest cataloged historic site is Elizabeth Chapel Methodist Church (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Kramer Cemetery, Cooks Point Methodist Cemetery, and Cooks Point United Methodist Church.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5051008634. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.