What is the San Jacinto Monument?
The San Jacinto Monument is a 567-foot stone tower in La Porte, Texas. It sits about 20 miles east of downtown Houston. It marks the spot where Sam Houston's army beat Santa Anna on April 21, 1836. The fight took about 18 minutes and made Texas free from Mexico.
How Tall Is the San Jacinto Monument?
The monument rises about 567 feet from the flat coastal plain east of Houston. That's roughly 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument.
The tower has eight sides. On top sits a 34-foot star that weighs about 220 tons. It stands for the Lone Star of Texas.
When and Why Was It Built?
Workers built it from 1936 to 1939 to mark 100 years since Texas won its freedom. It stands on the same ground where the battle was fought.
It was dedicated on April 21, 1939, exactly 103 years after the battle.
What Happened at the Battle of San Jacinto?
In 1835 and 1836, Texas fought to break free from Mexico. The war was hard. Just weeks before San Jacinto, many Texans died at the Alamo and at Goliad.
- March 1836The Alamo falls on March 6. Weeks later, prisoners are killed at Goliad.
- Early April 1836Sam Houston's army falls back east while Santa Anna gives chase.
- April 21, 1836Late in the day, Houston's men charge Santa Anna's camp near Buffalo Bayou. They shout “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!”
- About 18 minutes laterThe fight is over, and Texas wins.
- April 22, 1836Santa Anna is captured. He later signs the Treaties of Velasco.
Read more about the battle cry in our post on visiting the Alamo.
What Can You See at the San Jacinto Monument Today?
The tower sits inside a state park called the San Jacinto Battleground. The Texas Historical Commission runs it.
Museum
Exhibits from the war for Texas freedom, at the base of the tower.
View from the top
When open, an elevator takes you up for views of the battle site and the Ship Channel.
Reflecting pool
A long pool that stretches out from the monument.
Battleground trails
Walk the grounds and marshes where the battle took place.
Hours, fees, and open areas can change. Check with the Texas Historical Commission before you go.
Why Does San Jacinto Matter to Houston?
The city of Houston is named for Sam Houston, who won at San Jacinto. The battle is where the Texas story starts. And the tower is a short drive from downtown.
If you live in or near Houston, it makes a great day trip. Pair it with our posts on the history of the Texas flag and Houston restaurants.
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Questions About the San Jacinto Monument
Where is the San Jacinto Monument?
It stands at the San Jacinto Battleground in La Porte, Texas. That's about 20 miles east of downtown Houston, on the Houston Ship Channel.
How tall is the San Jacinto Monument?
It is about 567 feet tall, roughly 15 feet taller than the Washington Monument. A 34-foot star sits on top.
When was the San Jacinto Monument built?
It was built from 1936 to 1939 to mark 100 years of Texas freedom. It opened on April 21, 1939, 103 years to the day after the battle.
What happened at the Battle of San Jacinto?
On April 21, 1836, Sam Houston's army made a surprise attack on Santa Anna's camp. The fight took about 18 minutes and made Texas free from Mexico.
What does “Remember the Alamo! Remember Goliad!” mean?
Those were the battle cries at San Jacinto. They honored the Texans who died weeks before at the Alamo and at Goliad.
What happened to Santa Anna after the battle?
Santa Anna was caught the next day. He later signed a peace deal called the Treaties of Velasco.
What can you do at the San Jacinto Monument?
You can tour the museum, see the long pool, and walk the trails. When it's open, you can ride to the top. Check hours before you go.
Who runs the San Jacinto Battleground?
The Texas Historical Commission runs the site. Check its website for hours, fees, and events.
I'm a Houston-area REALTOR® thinking about switching brokerages. Who do I contact?
Book a private strategy call with Jeremy Williams, call or text 281-387-7689, or email jeremy@omniaelevate.com. The call is confidential.
Sources: Texas Historical Commission; San Jacinto Museum of History. Facts reviewed October 2026. Check the site for current hours and fees.