Palestine in Anderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell

(April 22, 1856 - April 1, 1923)

Photographed By Brian Anderson, January 19, 2019

1. Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell Marker

Inscription. Born near Rusk in Cherokee County, Thomas Mitchell Campbell was the son of Thomas Duncan and Rachel (Moore) Campbell. He financed his education by working for the County Clerk in Longview. In 1878 Campbell was admitted to the Bar and opened his law practice in Longview. He married Fannie Bruner the same year. Campbell moved to Palestine in 1891 after he was named receiver for the International & Great Northern Railroad. He was General Manager of the line 1892-97.

In 1905, without prior political experience, Campbell announced as a candidate for Governor. He received the Democratic nomination despite strong opposition at the party's 1906 convention. Rallying supporters with the rousing march tune, "The Campbells Are Coming," he won the election by a large margin and became Texas' second native-born Governor. The first was Campbell's boyhood friend, Gov. James S. Hogg (1851-1906). In 1908 Gov. Campbell was elected to a second term. His administration was marked by strong anti-trust legislation, a pure food law, and prison reform.

When his term expired, Gov. Campbell returned to a banking and law career in Palestine. In 1916 he ran for the United States Senate but lost. He died in Galveston and was buried in Palestine's East Hill Cemetery.

Erected 1976 by Texas Historical

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Commission. (Marker Number 8740.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.

Location. 31° 45.913′ N, 95° 37.587′ W. Marker is in Palestine, Texas, in Anderson County. Marker is at the intersection of North Church Street (State Highway 19) and East Lacy Street, on the right when traveling north on North Church Street. Marker is located at the northwest corner of the courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 500 North Church Street, Palestine TX 75801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Purvey Lee (P. L.) Chism (within shouting distance of this marker); Anderson County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Timothy Stephen Smith (within shouting distance of this marker); Micham Main (within shouting distance of this marker); Palestine Salt Works C.S.A. (within shouting distance of this marker); Anderson County (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Col. Homer Garrison, Jr. (about 500 feet away); Palestine Fire Department (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Palestine.

Also see . . . Campbell, Thomas Mitchell - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on January 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)

Photographed By Brian Anderson, January 19, 2019

2. Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 394 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 21, 2019, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.