SAN ANTONIO, Texas —
The Texas Historical Commission was recently notified that the 1850s adobe homestead of Texas hero José Antonio Navarro will be nominated as a National Historic Landmark (NHL). The nomination will be developed under the Secretary of the Interior’s Latino Heritage Initiative, and will be funded and prepared by the National Park Service (NPS). The request for consideration as an NHL was made by the Texas Historical Commission (THC), which oversees Navarro’s historic homestead, store, and office. The site was reopened a little over a year ago after undergoing much-needed restoration and interpretive exhibit improvements.
In a letter to THC Executive Director Mark Wolfe, the U.S. Department of the Interior states that the house is nationally significant for its association with Texas patriot José Antonio Navarro, a native Texan and staunch advocate for an independent Texas, who is considered one of the key players in the founding of the Republic of Texas and State of Texas. The letter refers to Navarro as the most influential Tejano of his generation. The nomination will focus not only on his contribution as one of two native Tejano signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, but also on his prolific career as an advocate for an independent Texas. The nomination would further emphasize the fluid culture Tejanos experienced as the territory transferred from being a Hispanic nation to an independent republic to part of the United States.
The Secretary of the Interior’s office solicited interest in nominating sites significant in Latino heritage for this special recognition, and the THC responded by suggesting the Navarro House. Because this is the Secretary’s initiative, funds are available to the NPS to develop the NHL nomination.
“This is extremely good news, as designation as a National Historic Landmark would increase visitation and awareness of this important historic site,” said Wolfe. “NHL nominations can be costly, and time consuming, so it is especially important to learn that NPS will be funding the nomination. Hopefully, it can be presented to the National Park System Advisory Board at its November meeting. We are very grateful for this level of support, which speaks to the significance of this site.”
During recent renovations to the main house it was discovered that most of the original interior walls were constructed of adobe brick, covered by plaster, and whitewashed, one of few such original adobe structures left standing in San Antonio. The THC contracted with Pony Allen Studios, Inc. during the restoration to create educational exhibits that highlight Navarro’s important role in Texas history. The daily life in the old neighborhood of “Laredito,” where Navarro lived, is also captured. The exhibits are featured in an open gallery format, and include hands-on and interactive installations.
A special celebration recognizing what would be Navarro’s 218th birthday is taking place at the site on Saturday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m. In honor of the anniversary, Casa Navarro State Historic Site is offering free admission all day.
Casa Navarro is one of the THC’s 20 historic sites that represent compelling examples of the Texas mystique throughout the Lone Star State. Rehabilitation projects and interpretive plans have been completed at many of the sites, offering heritage travelers an opportunity to experience these real places where Texas history occurred. For more information visit www.visitcasanavarro.com or call 210.226.4801.
