West Columbia in Brazoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Stephen Fuller Austin
1793-1836
Stephen F. Austin's dedication to the settlement of Texas and its role as a republic was unmatched. Working long hours sometimes into the damp night as the republic's secretary of state, Austin caught a cold, which became pneumonia. With his final words of his beloved Texas, he died at the home of his friend Judge George B. McKinstry in Columbia on December 27, 1836 at the age of for- ty-three. After his body lay in state at the capitol building for two days, his coffin was escorted by Texas dignitaries to Bell's Landing and was carried down the Brazos on the Yellowstone, a 120 foot side-wheeler steamboat, a few miles downstream to his sister's Peach Point Plantation where it was interred with military honors. Upon hearing of Austin's death, Secretary of War William S. Fisher stated the following:
"The Father of Texas is no more. The first
pioneer of the wilderness has departed."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 29° 8.674′ N, 95° 38.827′ W. Marker is in West Columbia, Texas
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Masons of the Republic of Texas (here, next to this marker); The Brazos River and the Steamboat Yellowstone (here, next to this marker); Columbia in 1836 (here, next to this marker); From Republic to Statehood (a few steps from this marker); The Capitol Oak (a few steps from this marker); Religion in the New Capital (a few steps from this marker); Accomplishments of the First Congress (within shouting distance of this marker); Telegraph and Texas Register (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Columbia.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 13, 2021, by TeamOHE of Wauseon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 31 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 13, 2021, by TeamOHE of Wauseon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.