"In future time, then may the pilgrim's eye see here an obelisk point toward the sky..."

— Anonymous poet

The above prediction was penned in the poem: "Ode to San Jacinto", even before the Republic of Texas became the State of Texas. Today, the world's tallest war memorial stands at San Jacinto, honoring all those who fought for Texas' independence. Immediately after the battle, the land — then privately owned — commanded respect from all who walked on its soil. The Texas Veterans Association began planning a formal monument, and the state finally received funding to purchase the land in the 1890s.

After years of pushing by the Sons and Daughters of the Republic of Texas, as well as help from President Roosevelt's Secretary of Commerce Jesse H. Jones — a prominent Houstonian — its proponents raised enough money to build a fitting monument. With San Jacinto's 100-year anniversary at hand, the time was right. Learn more about the monument's history by exploring the photo gallery, above.