Perusing Portions of Pasadena’s Past

Whether you’re a current resident or considering becoming one, Pasadena, Texas, is a city with deep historical roots. From its humble 1893 beginnings, being named after Pasadena, California, to its growth into a major industrious hub and bustling city, Pasadena is a place with growing energy, always powering possibilities.

Now the second-largest city in the Greater Houston metro, Pasadena started as a farming community. After the Galveston Hurricane, now called The Great Storm, American Red Cross Founder Clara Barton purchased 1.5M strawberry plants and sent them to Pasadena to help its farming community recover from the devastation. The fruits of the farmers’ labor deemed Pasadena as the “Strawberry Capital of the South.” Today, Pasadena is home to the World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake and hosts an annual Strawberry Festival during the third weekend in May, celebrating its farming roots and culture. 

Pasadena and the Texas Revolution

Before Texas became a state of America, it was a state of Mexico. In 1835, the Texas Revolution occurred. While there were multiple battles during this one-year war, the 18-minute Battle of San Jacinto was the decisive battle in La Porte, near modern-day Pasadena on April 21, 1836.

The Texas Revolution won Texas its independence, and for nine years, it was the Republic of Texas. In 1845, Texas became America’s 28th state. 

The Texas Independence Trail is a driving journey through 28 counties in Southeast Texas that highlights key moments, events, and locations that led to Texas’ freedom. Pasadena’s mark on the trail shows the capture of Mexican President and General Santa Anna in 1836, which ended the Texas Revolution. 

Crown Hill Cemetery Preservation

Crown Hill Cemetery is a six-acre historical landmark on its own. Established in 1906, near Vince’s Bayou where Mexican President and General Santa Anna was captured, it was Pasadena’s first community cemetery. During the earlier years, the community cemetery was not well maintained and had many ups and downs. Family members of buried loved ones would clean up when they could, yet there was no specific maintenance designation.

With few purchases of individual burials and many purchases of family plots, burial sales ended in 1960. Burials continued through 2007 for pre-purchase plots. Because of the historical designation, burials are no longer permitted.

For the past several years, the cemetery has undergone what they call a Gravestone Conservation. Improving grave markers is a tedious task and will take more years to complete. You can learn more by watching this Gravestone Conservation video.

Today, the Crown Hill Cemetery Association oversees its preservation. There is unity in community, and thanks to that, portions of the cemetery are maintained by various community groups. Through their efforts, the cemetery as a whole remains a historical site with a monument dedicated to soldiers of General Santa Anna whose bodies were left along the banks of the bayou.

Pasadena Welcomes Historians

Historians near and far who’d like to increase their knowledge and authority on American history will appreciate the historical detail the City of Pasadena has to offer. We welcome you to peruse and explore our artifacts and detailed information. Along with historical value, Pasadena, Texas, is a great place for new businesses to thrive and new residents to jumpstart their families, careers, or both. Contact Pasadena EDC for more information.