PARKS AND MONUMENTS
Parks are abundant throughout the city.
The 545-acre Hermann Park, which contains the zoo and public recreational facilities, was named for George Hermann, an affluent Houstonian who, in 1914, donated the land for the park. Located in it is the log house headquarters of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, San Jacinto Chapter. Reminiscent of the early log houses in Houston, the stones for the fireplace come from historic old homes throughout Texas. In another part of the park stands a statue of General Sam Houston, which was unveiled in August, 1925. Besides this, it was George Hermann who also donated land in the present City Hall area for a public square. The one stipulation he made was that anybody who might wish to do so could sleep there "undisturbed by the forces of law and order."
Memorial Park is the largest public park in Houston, stretching over a thousand acres. The park contains the Houston Arboretum and botanical gardens and numerous recreational facilities.
Tranquility Park, designed by Charles Tapley and dedicated on the tenth anniversary for the first lunar landing, is a tribute to man's achievements in space travel. Neil Armstrong's words, transmitted from the moon, "Houston, Tranquility base here. The Eagle has Landed." are written in many languages on plaques placed at the entrance to the park. The mounds and depressions on the parks surface represent the cratered lunar surface.
Named for the founders of Houston, the Allen brothers, Allen's Landing Park is situated on Buffalo Bayou at Main Street. This is where the Allen's first set foot in the area that would become the city of Houston and where they built their original trading post. Undertaken as a Bicentennial Project by the city, Allen's Landing is a historical theme park.
The grave of John Kirby Allen, who died shortly after helping found the city, lies in Founders' Cemetery, on West Dallas and Valentine. The cemetery was renovated in 1936 by the State of Texas as part of the state's centennial celebrations. Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas; Thomas Lubbock, commander of the Terry Rangers; James Holman, one of the early mayors of Houston and Howard R. Hughes, Jr., the reclusive billionaire can be found in Glenwood Cemetery, one of the oldest graveyards in town.
The State of Texas erected a fitting monument to her heroes in the construction of the historic San Jacinto Battleground and Monument, which is located about twenty miles southeast of Houston. In the year 1836, Texas gained her independence in a decisive victory over the Mexican forces led by General Santa Anna. The San Jacinto Monument, rising 570 feet above the battleground, stands as a memorial to the brave men who fought for Texas independence. Built to commemorate the centennial of the battle, it is the tallest masonry structure in the world. The San Jacinto Museum of History is at the base of the tower. Its exhibits provide an overview of 400 years of Texas history.
