As we approach Juneteenth—a time to reflect on freedom, resilience, and the stories of Black Americans—it’s especially meaningful to shine a light on Hendrick Arnold Nature Park. This peaceful stretch of riparian woodland along the Medina River not only offers a haven for nature lovers but also honors the legacy of Hendrick Arnold, a free Black man whose bravery and service as a scout and spy during the Texas Revolution left a lasting mark on Texas history. As we celebrate Juneteenth this week, the park stands as a living tribute to Arnold’s enduring contributions and a reminder of the deep, complex roots of Black freedom and perseverance in our region.
Stories Written in the Land
Hendrick Arnold Nature Park contains 85 acres of riparian woodland that fronts on the Medina River. The site, with the exception of the creek bank, was extensively mined for gravel. The mining ended in 1940, allowing riparian growth to cover the site and creating one of the few remaining woodland creeks properties in Bexar County. The San Antonio River Authority purchased the property with plans to develop it as a nature interpretive, recreational and educational park. This master planning effort is the first step toward a comprehensive long-range visioning process to identify areas for preservation and interpretation while preserving as much of the site as possible.
Sitting on the banks of the Medina River, the park has many large trees that provide cooling shade along the trailways. Photo Credit: Jesus Arturo Garza, River Clicks Submission
Bronze statue depicting Hendrick Arnold by artist Ed Dwight, located in the Hall of Heroes at Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, Texas. Photo by Beverly Alford for texianpartisan.com.
This park is named after Hendrick Arnold, a Black military scout, guide, and spy during the Texas Revolution. In 1804, he was the earliest known Black Texas Ranger. Arnold emigrated to Texas in the winter of 1826 with his parents, Daniel Arnold, a white man, and Rachel Arnold, who was Black. Although his brother, Holly, was regarded as white, both Hendrick and Holly were considered free. In 1827, Hendrick and an enslaved woman named Dolly had a daughter, Harriet. By the fall of 1835, Arnold had settled in San Antonio, married Martina (María), and they had a daughter, Juanita. When Mexican forces under General Martín Perfecto de Cos occupied San Antonio, Arnold and his hunting partner, Erastus (Deaf) Smith, served as guides to the Texans. Arnold took part in the battle of Concepción and later served as a guide for Benjamin Milam’s division during the siege of Bexar. In his official report of the battle, Francis W. Johnson acknowledged Arnold’s bravery, citing Arnold for his “important service.”
After the revolution, Arnold received compensation in the form of land a few miles northwest of the site of present-day Bandera. He also arranged an indentured servant Headright Property contract between his daughter Harriet and James Newcomb. This contract was cut short by the cholera epidemic that claimed both Arnold and Newcomb’s lives. In 1849, Newcomb’s administrator, George M. Martin, petitioned the Texas House of Representatives to permit Harriet to remain in the state as a free woman of color. Arnold’s family made several attempts to regain Harriet from Martin, resulting in a lawsuit and an unclear outcome. Hendrick Arnold died in the cholera epidemic in Bexar County in 1849 and was buried on the banks of the Medina River. Today, a portion of the mill he operated stands near Mission San Juan. Arnold’s life highlights the complex racial dynamics of the time and the contributions of Black individuals in shaping Texas history.
A Summer Tanager (Piranga rubra) is one of the many species of birds that can be found at Hendrick Arnold Nature Park, which sits along a major avian migration path. Photo Credit: Jeffrey Miers, River Clicks Submission
A view from the Daniel’s Loop trail at Hendrick Arnold Nature Park. The park currently has several trails available to explore, including “Daniel’s Loop”, “Medina Trail”, and “Rachel’s Trail.” Photo Credit: Ibrahim Youseff, River Clicks Submission
What’s new at Hendrick Arnold Nature Park?
Hendrick Arnold Nature Park already boasts a number of recreational opportunities including hiking, birding, and picnicking. The park currently has several trails totaling approximately 1.5 miles available to explore, including “Daniel’s Loop”, “Medina Trail”, and “Rachel’s Trail.” In the past year, lighting was added to the parking lot at the nature park, and there are plans for upcoming improvements in the coming year including additional trails, expanded parking, rain gardens, and a nature playground.
The River Authority also hosted a number of fun, free events at Hendrick Arnold Nature Park over the past year, including night hikes, birding hikes, and the 2025 River Basin Bioblitz. Learn about upcoming opportunities on our Events Page—we invite you to join us at our next event!
River Authority’s aquatic biologists showcase the effects of drought and water consumption on the Medina River during the 2025 River Basin Bioblitz.
Hendrick Arnold Nature Park offers a unique opportunity to connect with both nature and history—especially during the week of Juneteenth. Whether you’re coming to explore, reflect, or simply enjoy the outdoors, a visit to this park is a powerful way to celebrate freedom, resilience, and the enduring impact of those who helped shape our shared history.
