Milam Park, San Antonio

Milam Park, an urban oasis in the heart of downtown San Antonio, is both a serene green space and a historical landmark. Established in 1884, the park honors Benjamin Milam, a pivotal figure in the Texas Revolution. Milam’s leadership and sacrifice during the Siege of Bexar in 1835 inspired Texans to retake San Antonio and eventually secure Texas' independence. His remains lie under a monument on the west end of the park, a tribute to his enduring legacy.

Originally a burial ground designated in 1848, the site has a complex history. It adjoined El Campo Santo, a Catholic cemetery now beneath the Santa Rosa Hospital. As San Antonio’s population outgrew the burial grounds, the cemetery closed in the 1860s and plans to convert the space into a public park began. Most interments were relocated, but occasional evidence of burials has surfaced in nearby excavations. Officially dedicated in 1884 as Milam Square, the park was beautified with sidewalks, greenery, and a bandstand, though the latter was removed in 1908. In 1936, a memorial statue of Benjamin Milam was added, further cementing the park’s historical significance.

A major redevelopment in the 1970s revitalized the park with modern amenities, including walking trails, exercise equipment, and a playground, while controversies over its historical and cultural significance highlighted its layered past. The addition of the Jalisco Pavilion, a central gazebo, and monuments honoring Texas Revolutionary Henry Karnes and labor activist Emma Tenayuca enriched the park’s cultural landscape.

Today, Milam Park is a vibrant community space that bridges the past and present. Its historical markers and lush grounds offer visitors a place to reflect on Texas' storied history while enjoying a variety of recreational activities.