Dedicated as a memorial park in 1836, the historic Founders Cemetery is the final resting place for some of Houston’s historical celebrities. Buried here are veterans of the Battle of San Jacinto; at least two signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence (James Collinsworth and John W. Moore); and a commodore of the Texian Navy, Henry Livingston Thompson. Another person buried here holds a special status: co-founder of the city of Houston. John Kirby Allen did not serve in the military, but the New Yorker used his business and leadership savvy to assist the Texas government throughout the Republic period, while working tirelessly to promote the city of Houston – until his untimely death from congestive fever at the age of 28.

Watch our Texas: The Republic Era video to learn more about the history of Texas Independence. This video was produced for inclusion in our Texas: Forged of Revolution mobile tour found in our Texas Time Travel Tours mobile app. Download the app for more videos and travel information: