Highland Park West in Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Major John B. Jones
1834-1881
Famed defender of the frontier. Instilled ideals of excellence into Texas Rangers.
Born in South Carolina. Came to Republic of Texas 1839. Educated at Old Baylor and Rutersville, where students had to defend school from Indian attacks.
In Civil War, 1861-65, served with Terry’s Texas Rangers and Speight’s Texas infantry battalion.
Was appointed May 1, 1874, by Governor Richard Coke to organize and field the frontier battalion Texas Rangers. Duty was to stop Indian depredations, bandit raids from Mexico, and lawlessness that resulted from Federal Reconstruction. At once put six Ranger companies at frontier posts 100 miles apart. In first six months patrolled 22,250 miles.
Defeated Indians in numerous engagements, sending them back to their reservations. Broke up rustling. Brought end to famous and violent outbreaks, including Mason County War, Horrell-Higgins Feud, Kimble County Trouble, El Paso Salt War. In 1878 brought to justice Sam Bass gang of train and bank robbers.
Became Adjutant General of Texas January 1879. In 1880-81 directed tracking down and quieting of Victorio’s Apache Indian raiding bands.
Buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.
Erected 1964 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 6462.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Native Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1839.
Location. 30° 18.605′ N, 97° 45.629′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Highland Park West. Marker is on West 35th Street west of Main Street, on the right when traveling west. In Camp Mabry near 35th St entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2210 West 35th Street, Austin TX 78703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. William Steele (here, next to this marker); Camp Mabry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Camp Mabry Historic District (approx. ¼ mile away); Texas in the Civil War (approx. ¼ mile away); Adjutants General (approx. ¼ mile away); Lilia and Josephine Casis (approx. half a mile away); The Radkey House (approx. 0.6 miles away); Taylor Lime Kiln No. 1 (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,249 times since then and 33 times this year. Last updated on April 3, 2021, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on April 3, 2021, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. 2. submitted on December 29, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 3. submitted on August 2, 2014, by Michael Heinich of Austin, Texas. 4. submitted on April 3, 2021, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Confirmation of the marker's current location (2021). • Can you help?