Columbus in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
George W. Smith
(September 25, 1822 - October 21, 1873)
Born in Kentucky, George Washington Smith moved to Texas in 1847. By 1860 Smith was judge of the First District Court, a local landowner and a commissioner of the Columbus Tap Railroad. He left the First District Court to participate in the Constitutional Convention of 1866, then was reappointed to his former bench. He promptly was elected to the Texas Supreme Court and chose to accept that position. In September 1867 the entire court was removed in favor of a reconstruction government. The Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad honored Smith in 1870 by christening a new locomotive George W. Smith. He represented Colorado and Lavaca counties in 1873 in the House of Representatives, where he authored election reform legislation. He died in a yellow fever epidemic later that year.
Erected 2000 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15592.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Law Enforcement • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1867.
Location. 29° 42.528′ N, 96° 32.495′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Texas, in Colorado County. Marker is at the intersection of Preston Street and Bowie Street, on the left when traveling east on Preston Street. The marker is located in the southeast section of the Midtown Park in a bush. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus TX 78934, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Columbus Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of William Christian Papenberg (within shouting distance of this marker); Columbus Church of Christ (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hancock-Heller Home (about 400 feet away); Stein-Girndt House (about 500 feet away); Old General Store (about 500 feet away); Maigne - Walther House (about 500 feet away); Toliver-Cone House (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 1, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.