Baytown in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Ashbel Smith M.D.
(1805-1886)
Photographed by James Hulse, January 27, 2019
1. Ashbel Smith M.D. Marker
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, this prominent physician, statesman, soldier, and educator received his degree from Yale Medical College in 1828. After a period of study in France, Smith returned to the United States to practice medicine in the state of North Carolina.
He determined to go to Texas upon hearing news of the events of the mid-1830s and arrived in 1837, too late to participate in the revolution. He soon, however, was appointed Surgeon-General of the Texas Army and established a home, known as Evergreen Plantation, one mile east of this site. Smith later served the Republic of Texas as Secretary of State and as Minister to Great Britain, France, Belgium, and Spain. After Texas attained statehood, Smith served several terms in the State Legislature. A Civil War veteran, he was elected captain of the Bayland Guards and colonel of the 2nd Texas Infantry of the Confederate Army.
Also noted for his work in higher education, Ashbel Smith served as President of the first Board of Regents of the University of Texas and led support for establishment of its medical branch in Galveston.
A significant leader during Texas' formative years, Ashbel Smith died at his home on Evergreen Plantation and is buried in the state cemetery in Austin.
Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10780.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. 29° 42.343′ N, 94° 57.713′ W. Marker is in Baytown, Texas, in Harris County. It is at the intersection of Evergreen Road and Bay Hill Drive, on the left when traveling east on Evergreen Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1530 Evergreen Road, Baytown TX 77523, United States of America.
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Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bell Prairie (approx. 1.2 miles away); Baytown Mexican School (approx. 1.3 miles away); Goose Creek School Community No. 9 (approx. 1.3 miles away); City of Pelly (approx. 1.4 miles away); George Washington Carver High School (approx. 1.7 miles away); City of Baytown (approx. 1.9 miles away); Bayland Orphans Home (approx. 2 miles away); Confederate Naval Works at Goose Creek (approx. 2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Baytown.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Bayland Orphanage (was approx. 2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Ashbel Smith M.D.
Photographed by James Hulse, January 27, 2019
2. Ashbel Smith M.D. Marker and Evergreen Disk Golf Course
Photographed by James Hulse, January 27, 2019
3. Home of Dr. Ashbel Smith M.D. Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 21, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 781 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 21, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
