Silver Mine Pass
Named for silver mine opened near pass by Spaniards in 1700s or earlier. Ore was inferior, and mine was abandoned; but 14 shafts (some interconnecting) remain. Near the mine are remnants of a fortification made by 30 men under the leadership of James Bowie, later (1836) a hero of the siege to the Alamo. In 1831, while at work at this mine, Bowie's men repulsed a Comanche attack in a fierce, all-day battle. Hero of the fight was Bowie's slave, "Black Jim Bowie," who risked his life by leaving the fortification to bring water to the besieged. 1968
29.5006° N, 99.7222° W
Where to Find It
(On Highway 83 at intersection with Highway 127 South); from Uvalde, take Highway 83 North about 20 miles to intersection with 127 East - marker fronts Highway 83 at intersection.
Nearby Markers
- <0.1 mi N C.S.A. Saltpetre Mine Concan
- 3.8 mi W Old Davenport Home Concan
- 5.9 mi N Civilian Conservation Corps at Garner State Park Concan
- 7.6 mi W Dry Frio Canyon Uvalde
- 9.3 mi N Lombardy Irrigation Ditch Rio Frio
- 10.6 mi N Near Route of Famous Cattle Trail Leakey