Saratoga in Hardin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Lance Rosier
Rosier was born in what is now the Preserve unit that bears his name. He grew up in Saratoga, in the center of the Big Thicket, living with his aunt Mattie Evans in her Vines Hotel. There, he listened to stories told by roughnecks, drummers and pioneers. He spent much of his youth wandering the nearby woods and learning about the native flora and fauna. After serving in the U.S. Army, he became a timber cruiser, as well as a guide for surveyors. Authors and journalists wrote numerous stories about the self-taught naturalist who provided tours for scientists, photographers, politicians, students, scholars, conservationists and others who sought his expertise. His knowledge grew through work with scientists who identified plants for him, thus expanding his understanding of habitats, life cycles, medical or industrial uses, and scientific names of species of plant life. His tours featured extras, like stories of an encounter with a black panther.
Known as "Mr. Big Thicket," Rosier served as a bridge between the first East Texas Big Thicket Association (1929-1957), led by R.E. Jackson, another regional conservationist, and others to establish the second Big Thicket Association in 1964. Unfortunately, Rosier died in 1970, a few years before the realization of his dream to have the unique environmental area declared a national park. Today, his legacy lives on in the protection and continuing research of his beloved Big Thicket.
Erected 2005 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13401.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Environment.
Location. 30° 17.066′ N, 94° 31.526′ W. Marker is in Saratoga, Texas, in Hardin County. Marker is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 770 and Big Thicket Drive, on the right when traveling west on Road 770. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16890 FM 770, Saratoga TX 77585, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 15 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Batson Prairie School & Church and Guedry Cemetery (approx. 6.7 miles away); Richard E. Jackson (approx. 14.6 miles away).
Also see . . . Rosier, Lance (1895–1970) - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on May 24, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2021, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.