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

Site of Dream Colony of Jane McManus

Photographed By James Hulse, October 11, 2020

1. Site of Dream Colony of Jane McManus Marker

Inscription.

Prospective Colonial leader who in 1832 hoped to settle thrifty Europeans on a Mexican Grant, which she never received. Mrs. McManus, daughter of a U.S. Congressman from New York, was a family friend of Stephen F. Austin "Father of Texas". Joining her Texas venture was her brother, Robert McManus, who later fought in the War for Independence. Although her Colonial plans failed Jane McManus remained enthusiastic about Texas. For years in the 1850's she and her second husband, Gen. Wm. Czneau, lived in Eagle Pass. She is said to have been an advisor for the U.S. peacemakers after the Mexican War. Outside Texas she had a career as a New York journalist and author. She died in 1878 when a ship was lost at sea as she journeyed to her estate in Jamaica.

Although Austin was the most famous leader in Texas colonization, other empresarios included Green DeWitt, Hayden Edwards, Robert Leftwich, Frost Thorn, Martin DeLeon, Ben Milam, Gen. Arthur G. Wavell, David G. Burnet, John Cameron, James Hewetson, James Power, Juan Dominguez, Juan Antonio, Padilla, Thomas J. Chambers, Gen. Vicente Filisola, J.C. Beales and Jose M. Royuela. Mrs. McManus was the only known lady colonizer.

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 4771.)

Topics and series. This historical

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marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, Mexican-American • War, Texas Independence • Women. In addition, it is included in the Lost at Sea series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.

Location. 28° 41.342′ N, 95° 58.301′ W. Marker is in Matagorda, Texas, in Matagorda County. Marker is at the intersection of Fisher Street and Laurel Street, on the left when traveling west on Fisher Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 628 Fisher St, Matagorda TX 77457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Early Texas Freighting (here, next to this marker); Commemorating Gulf High School (here, next to this marker); Old Matagorda Post Office (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Old Matagorda Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Frontier Building (a few steps from this marker); School House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fisher-Sargent-Gottschalk House (about 500 feet

Photographed By James Hulse, October 11, 2020

2. Site of Dream Colony of Jane McManus Marker

The marker is on the right in this group of two markers.

away, measured in a direct line); Matagorda Lodge No. 7, A.F. & A.M. (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Matagorda.

Also see . . . Jane Maria Eliza McManus Cazneau. TSHA Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on October 27, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 26, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 265 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 26, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2. submitted on October 27, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.