San Marcos


About San Marcos 
Country : United States of America
State : Texas
County : County Seat of Hays County
Population : 49.083 
(estimated population - 2007) 
San Marcos--A Brief History
The discovery of an unusual river by a Alonso de Leon's men on St. Mark's Day in 1689 prompted the name of the river San Marcos in honor of the patron saint.
Villa San Marcos de Neve was established in 1808 by colonists from Mexico. Due to devastating floods and repeated Indian raids, the settlement was abandoned in 1812. 

Juan Martin de Veramendi, later governor of Mexico's Texas,
received a "two league" grant of land on the River. 
This land later became the heart of the town of San Marcos. The town was laid out in 1851 and incorporated in 1877. The unique San Marcos River area is considered by many to be the oldest, continuously inhabited area in the Northern Hemisphere. Hays County was created in 1848 and named in honor of Capt. Jack C. Hays, a noted Indian fighter and Texas Ranger.
( San Marcos Official Site - Historic Downtown )


San Marcos was founded on the site of the San Marcos Springs, which produce the San Marcos River. Even today, San Marcans of all ages enjoy swimming in the cool spring water.
Several parks surround the river as it bubbles up from the ground and winds its way through the city.

 
Juan Veramendi Plaza
Juan Veramendi Plaza lies immediately adjacent to the Charles S. Cock House Museum, the restored home of San Marcos' earliest settlers. 
 A picturesque gazebo is complimented by a lighted fountain, with access to the river walk and numerous public tables nearby. 

The gazebo is available (on a rental basis) for outdoor weddings, receptions and other activities. 
During the summer months of June and July at Juan Veramendi Park and The San Marcos Plaza stage, the San Marcos Performing Arts Association provides free music at the Gazebo and stage, performed by talented artists from throughout Central Texas and beyond. 

 
Crédits
  
Links
Pictures
Michael Conte
  
Information
    
City of San Marcos Official Site
    
City of San Marcos Home Page