Kerrville in Kerr County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Joshua D. Brown
Photographed by James Hulse, December 5, 2020
1. Joshua D. Brown Marker
Kerrville began when Joshua D. Brown (1816-1876) convinced nine men from Gonzales, Texas, to join him making shingles from the plentiful cypress trees along the Guadalupe River. They first arrived in 1846, though the local Indian tribes soon proved troublesome and drove them away. When Brown and the others returned two years later his shingle camp thrived, growing into the tiny village of Brownsborough. In 1856, Brown persuaded the first county commissioners to make the village the county seat, which he renamed "Kerrsville," in honor of his friend and fellow Kentucky native Major James Kerr (1790-1850). Brown fought for Texas Independence at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, he was a Civil War veteran, a family man, and the founder of Kerrville.
Erected by Kerr County Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 30° 2.836′ N, 99° 8.431′ W. Marker is in Kerrville, Texas, in Kerr County. It can be reached from the intersection of Sidney
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Charles A. Schreiner (here, next to this marker); Kerrville (within shouting distance of this marker); Kerr County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Settlers of Kerr County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kerr County (about 300 feet away); James Kerr (about 300 feet away); The Schreiner Building (about 300 feet away); Schreiner's Roses (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kerrville.
Also see . . . Kerrville Texas. The Handbook of Texas (Submitted on December 13, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed by James Hulse, December 5, 2020
2. Joshua D. Brown Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 622 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 13, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
