Veramendi Plaza
One of the most scenic, historic and popular parks in San Marcos, Juan Veramendi Plaza, located at C.M. Allen Parkway at Hopkins Street, is known for its iconic gazebo, the Charles S. Cock House Museum, the Dr. Eli T. Merriman Cabin Museum, the Dr. Gwen K. Smith Fountain, the Memorial Grove and the beautiful pathway to the Riverwalk.
San Marcos is located on land that was once a part of a Spanish land grant to Juan Martin de Veramendi, the colonial governor, in 1832. The "two League" grant included land on both sides of the River. The plaza that bears his name today was also a part of that original grant. In June 1970, the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of San Marcos purchased this property and began, with the Hays County Historical Survey Committee, a search into the property's past. The Urban Renewal Agency wished to recognize the rich cultural heritage of San Marcos by naming this plaza after one of the area's more illustrious citizens, Juan Martin de Veramendi.
In 1972 the Federal Urban Renewal Agency transferred this undeveloped area to the City Bicentennial Commission which soon after became the Heritage Association. Thus began the drive to protect and to preserve these three little acres as the historic centerpiece of our town!
San Marcos is located on land that was once a part of a Spanish land grant to Juan Martin de Veramendi, the colonial governor, in 1832. The "two League" grant included land on both sides of the River. The plaza that bears his name today was also a part of that original grant. In June 1970, the Urban Renewal Agency of the City of San Marcos purchased this property and began, with the Hays County Historical Survey Committee, a search into the property's past. The Urban Renewal Agency wished to recognize the rich cultural heritage of San Marcos by naming this plaza after one of the area's more illustrious citizens, Juan Martin de Veramendi.
In 1972 the Federal Urban Renewal Agency transferred this undeveloped area to the City Bicentennial Commission which soon after became the Heritage Association. Thus began the drive to protect and to preserve these three little acres as the historic centerpiece of our town!
In 1986, the Imperial Bronzelight Corporation, in observance of the Texas Sesquicentennial, completely rebuilt the fountain at a cost of $10,000. Bronzelight and private donors provided the long-delayed installation of lights for greater security along the Riverwalk in 1993. In 2006 the fountain was named for Dr. Gwen K. Smith. Through a generous gift from the Dr. Smith Estate in 2011, the fountain was rebuilt a second time, improvements were made to the area around the fountain, including new plumbing and electrical systems. All work was done under the supervision of the City Parks and Recreation Department and the Riverwalk Park Committee.
As you leave the fountain in the general direction of the Merriman Cabin, a sturdy five-sided structure nestles into the ground at dead center of the park and appears to have been there forever. Designed by Judy Stovall Upchurch and built by the Association in 1978, it is believed to be the site of the water well for the Cock House families. A well house to this day, it shelters the controls to the motor that operates the fountain, which uses recycled water.
Complete a visit to Veramendi with a stroll through the Riverwalk Memorial Grove located in the southeast portion of the park toward the river. Among the many fine trees there are more than 50 with a bronze plaque at their base with the honorees' names and related dates. These trees were planted and dedicated to deceased, distinguished persons of our community in Arbor Day ceremonies. They were citizens whose contributions to the quality of life for our community went well beyond the usual expectations.
Midway along the path behind the Gazebo that leads to the river is the large and well-weathered inaugural plaque. Placed in 1976, it contains the names of all the people and organizations that joined together in a remarkable demonstration of unity to protect this extraordinary landscape so cherished today.
As you leave the fountain in the general direction of the Merriman Cabin, a sturdy five-sided structure nestles into the ground at dead center of the park and appears to have been there forever. Designed by Judy Stovall Upchurch and built by the Association in 1978, it is believed to be the site of the water well for the Cock House families. A well house to this day, it shelters the controls to the motor that operates the fountain, which uses recycled water.
Complete a visit to Veramendi with a stroll through the Riverwalk Memorial Grove located in the southeast portion of the park toward the river. Among the many fine trees there are more than 50 with a bronze plaque at their base with the honorees' names and related dates. These trees were planted and dedicated to deceased, distinguished persons of our community in Arbor Day ceremonies. They were citizens whose contributions to the quality of life for our community went well beyond the usual expectations.
Midway along the path behind the Gazebo that leads to the river is the large and well-weathered inaugural plaque. Placed in 1976, it contains the names of all the people and organizations that joined together in a remarkable demonstration of unity to protect this extraordinary landscape so cherished today.
