La Grange Commemorates Texas Heroes Day Saturday
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This monument on the bluff overlooking La Grange marks the tomb of the men that died during the Dawson Massacre of September 1842 and the Mier expedition of November 1842, also known as the “black bean” incident.
Commemorations for Texas Heroes Day will take place at various venues throughout La Grange on Saturday, Sept. 17. Though rooted in reunions that took place on Monument Hill since 1848, Texas Heroes Day was officially established as a Texas Honor Day in 2012 by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. Today, many organizations honor the past and present service of Texans in the military during Texas Heroes Day events hosted throughout the state.
In La Grange, Monument Hill State Historic Site will host its annual Monument Hill Remembrance Ceremony at 10 a.m. This ceremony honors the Republic of Texas soldiers killed in the Dawson and Mier Expeditions who are entombed on Monument Hill. This year’s ceremony will feature special remarks from Stephen Cure, Oral and Military History programs Coordinator for the Texas Historical Commission, as well as the traditional wreath-laying ceremony and gun salute led by costumed reenactors. Presidents of the Monument Hill Chapters of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the Sons of the Republic of Texas will also offer remarks.
Seating for the ceremony may be limited. Personal lawn chairs are welcomed and encouraged. Admission fees are waived for ceremony attendees. The remembrance ceremony will be streamed on Facebook for those unable to attend in person.
The Faison House will open at 11:30 a.m. for a special program “N.W. Faison and Life at Perote Prison” presented by Faison historian, author, and popular speaker, Marie W. Watts. The story is told through the eyes of Julia Sinks, 19th century Fayette County historian, who decorated the caskets of the Dawson men and the decimated Mier prisoners for the September 18, 1848 burial. Afterwards guests are invited to do a self tour of the house and watch videos of the house residents.
The Texas Heroes Museum will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Museum Manager Charles Murray will lead a special tour for Texas Heroes Day attendees at 2 p.m. The tour will feature the story of Mier Expedition member Samuel Walker who helped create the 1847 Colt Walker Revolver.
For more information, visit www.friendsofkbmh.org/texasheroesday or call the Kreische Brewery & Monument Hill State Historic Sites’ visitors center at (979) 968-5658.