The things we learn from our readers are amazing
I learn a lot from this newspaper’s readers. For example, if not for Jetty Sutton of Kyle, I would not have known about the Presidio de San Saba, an historic site not in Presidio or San Saba. It’s a mile west of Menard, which is 150 miles northwest of Austin.
The structure initially was built in 1757 to protect Spanish interests, including a nearby mission. The mission burned to the ground during a raid by local tribes. Spain abandoned the presidio in 1772, leaving it to decay. In 1936, the Texas Centennial Commission arranged for a partial reconstruction in conjunction with the state’s big birthday.
“In 1937, the WPA rebuilt a portion of the Presidio de San Saba, but due to poor workmanship it soon fell into ruins,” it says on the presidio’s website. Thanks anyway, Works Progress Administration.
Another restoration, actually more of a reproduction funded by the Texas Historical Commission, began in 2011. Today, it makes for an interesting roadside attraction off U.S. 190, complete with explanatory sign boards.
Somehow I’d never known about it. As I said, I would’ve not known about it if not for American-Statesman reader Sutton, who’s been offering feedback about my columns for several years.
In July 2017, she emailed to say she was “glad you are OK” after my column about my visit to an emergency room after dehydration felled me during a bike ride.