Round Rock in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Sam Bass' Death Site

Photographed By Keith Peterson

1. Sam Bass' Death Site Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

An uneducated Indiana orphan who drifted to Texas as a youth, Sam Bass won fame racing his swift “Denton Mare”, gambling, and robbing trains. A rich haul in Nebraska was followed by months of reckless spending. Bass liked to shower gold on people who fed or harbored him while he eluded law officers. In July 1878 he came to Round Rock to rob a bank, and was shot by Texas Rangers. Gallant to the last, refusing to name guilty partners, he became a hero to 19th century balladeers. His celebrated grave is situated in Old Round Rock Cemetery.

Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9031.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1878.

Location. 30° 30.51′ N, 97° 40.759′ W. Marker is in Round Rock, Texas, in Williamson County. Marker is on West Main Avenue (Farm to Market Road 620) near Round Rock Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Round Rock TX 78664, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

Photographed By Keith Peterson, December 27, 2009

2. Sam Bass' Death Site Marker

View from Main Avenue at Mays Street. Marker can be seen under the tree.

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are within walking distance of this marker. Otto Reinke Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Broom Factory Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Commercial Building (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Round Rock (about 600 feet away); Andrew J. Palm House (about 700 feet away); Nelson-Crier House (approx. ¼ mile away); A. J. and Carolina Anderson House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Olson House (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Round Rock.

Also see . . .
1. Sam Bass - Handbook of Texas Online. (Submitted on February 10, 2018, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
2. Sam Bass - Williamson County Historical Commission. (Submitted on February 10, 2018, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
3. The Story of Sam Bass. (Submitted on February 10, 2018, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
4. The Ballad of Sam Bass - Alan Lomax. (Submitted on February 10, 2018, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)

Additional keywords. outlaws & renegades

Photographed By Keith Peterson, June 24, 2018

3. Sam Bass' Death Site Marker

Due to reconfiguration of street, marker has moved slightly.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 2, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 2,831 times since then and 162 times this year. Last updated on June 24, 2018, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on December 2, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on December 27, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 3. submitted on June 24, 2018, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.