Brady in McCulloch County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
General Ben McCulloch, C.S.A.
(1811 - 1862)
Distinguished Ranger, frontier surveyor, Indian fighter, lawman, statesman and military commander.
Born in Tennessee. Followed David Crockett to Texas to fight in War for Independence. Commanded one of the “Twin Sisters” cannon in the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. Served in the congress of the Republic of Texas. In 1846, during war with Mexico, led Ranger company in successful scouting mission of 100 miles behind enemy lines.
During 1849 California Gold Rush was sheriff of Sacramento County. Home again in 1852 became U.S. Marshall, Eastern District of Texas.
Led Texas volunteers in San Antonio Feb. 16, 1861, when U.S. arsenal was surrounded and its surrender demanded – an encounter in a charged atmosphere that could have become the first armed conflict of the Civil War, although it ended without the firing of a shot, and with U.S. troops leaving the state.
President Jefferson Davis offered him first general staff commission in the Civil War. Made a brigadier general on May 14, 1861, he had charge of troops in Arkansas and Indian Territory. Was the Confederate commander in victory at Wilson Creek, Mo., 1861. Was killed in Battle of Pea Ridge, Ark.
Erected 1964 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2125.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Law Enforcement • War, Texas Independence • War, US Civil • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1811.
Location. 31° 8.123′ N, 99° 20.124′ W. Marker is in Brady, Texas, in McCulloch County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of W. Main Street and N. Church Street. Marker is located at the northwest corner of the grounds of the county courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Brady TX 76825, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. McCulloch County (within shouting distance of this marker); McCulloch County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); McCulloch County Jail (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Union Passenger Depot (approx. ¼ mile away); Curtis Airfield (approx. 3 miles away); East Sweden Presbyterian Church (approx. 5.1 miles away); Swedish Settlers (approx. 5.2 miles away); Onion Creek Indian Fight (approx. 5.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brady.
Also see . . . Benjamin McCulloch. From the Texas State Historical Association’s “Handbook of Texas Online”. (Submitted on April 14, 2018.)
Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 14, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 14, 2018, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on August 27, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.