Near Anahuac in Chambers County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Birthplace of Governor Ross Shaw Sterling (1875-1949)
Photographed By Jim Evans, August 1, 2015
1. Birthplace of Governor Ross Shaw Sterling Marker
As a youth hoeing these fields, learned to stay ahead by taking "3 or 4 licks" while others took 2. Followed this vigorous philosophy throughout life.
In 1898 he married Maud Abbie Gage; had 5 children. In 1910 bought 2 wells which he developed into the Humble Oil & Refining Company in 1917. Then entered real estate development in Houston, 1925: bought the Houston "Dispatch" and "Post," forerunners of present Houston "Post." As head of Texas Highway Commission, 1927-30, achieved great reforms in roads programs.
His term as governor saw forceful handling of crises of the times. He called a special session of the Legislature to deal with over-production in agriculture. Also put teeth into measures to control oil production by placing 4 counties under martial law following violations of conservation rules.
When he returned to private life, his fortune had been lost. Undaunted, he launched the Sterling Oil & Refining Company and eventually was head of other major businesses. Philanthropies included gift of his La Porte estate as a boys' home, founding of boys' camp and donations to Texas Christian University.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 29° 42.684′ N, 94° 40.505′ W. Marker is near Anahuac, Texas, in Chambers County. Marker is on Eagle Road (Farm to Market Road 563) 0.4 miles south of Crossover Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Anahuac TX 77514, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Graydon (approx. 1.4 miles away); Round Point (approx. 1.8 miles away); St. Paul United Methodist Church (approx. 3.1 miles away); William Barret Travis (approx. 3.2 miles away); Robert McAlpin Williamson (approx. 3.2 miles away); Fort Anahuac (approx. 3.2 miles away); An Anchor (approx. 3.2 miles away); Juan Davis Bradburn (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Anahuac.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. He obviously outgrew his farm upbringing. See his mansion here.
Also see . . .
1. In The Handbook of Texas. (Submitted on August 2, 2015, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
2. Sterling on the cover of Time Magazine. (Submitted on August 2, 2015, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas.)
Photographed By Jim Evans, August 1, 2015
2. Birthplace of Governor Ross Shaw Sterling Marker
When I took the picture I thought the tall pine might help find it but then I realized there are a lot of tall pines along there.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2015, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 543 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 2, 2015, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
