Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Slavery During the Republic and Early Statehood
1836-1860
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, December 16, 2020
1. Slavery During the Republic and Early Statehood Marker
Between 1836 and 1860, the slave population in Texas grew from 5,000 to 182,566. The greatest increase in the number of slaves brought to Texas occurred from 1850 to 1865.
Among the expanding slave population were children who were purchased and brought to the State, or born in captivity to enslaved parents. Enslaved children typically wore slave cloth shirts made of homespun cotton or wool and were expected to do chores until they were old enough for field work. Enslaved women were expected to bear children and take care of their home life in the slave quarters, and to help farm cotton and other crops. Cotton produced by slave labor was the most important staple in the Texas economy, but slave labor was also integral to the economic growth of Texas in the lumber and construction industries. Several iconic Texas buildings including the 1853 limestone Texas Capitol, the 1856 Governor's Mansion, and the 1853 Pease Mansion were built with Black slave labor. Most slaves showed skills in farming, animal husbandry, construction, masonry, cooking and blacksmithing.
Erected 2016 by Texas African American History Memorial Foundation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 30°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Slavery During the Mexican National Era (here, next to this marker); Civil War, Emancipation and Juneteenth (here, next to this marker); Reconstruction and the Post Slavery Experience (here, next to this marker); First Contact and the Spanish Colonial Era (here, next to this marker); Post Reconstruction Challenges and Achievements (here, next to this marker); The 21st Century (here, next to this marker); Hendrick Arnold and Samuel McCulloch, Jr. (here, next to this marker); Major Achievements (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
More about this marker. The marker is one of ten markers on the Texas African American History Memorial. The monument honors the many contributions of African Americans in Texas. The markers trace the history of African Americans from the 1500s to the present.
Photographed By Larry D. Moore, December 16, 2020
2. Texas African American History Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 20, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 306 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 20, 2020, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas.
