Seabrook in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Captain William Plunkett Harris
Early Texas Entrepreneur and Pioneer Settler
Photographed by Gregory Walker, April 17, 2010
1. Captain William Plunkett Harris Marker
New York native William Plunkett Harris (1797-1843) ran a steamboat line in partnership with Robert Wilson before moving to Texas in 1830. At Harrisburg, founded by his brother John Richardson Harris (d. 1829), for whom Harris County was named, he and Wilson took over a mill operation. Later William started a plantation here at Red Bluff, where he lived with his wife Caroline (Morgan) (1816-1867) and two children.
Harris was active in the early efforts to reform the Mexican government's control of Texas. He served as a representative from this area to the Conventions of 1832 and 1835. As a member of the Consultation of 1835 he was selected chairman of the Committee on Naval Affairs. He also served on the General Council until becoming collector of customs for the Port of Galveston in 1836.
Harris operated his steamboat "Cayuga" during the Texas Revolution, providing passage to settlers fleeing the advancing Mexican army. At Galveston, April 15-26, 1836, his boat served as temporary capitol for the interim Texas government. After the Revolution Harris served in local government and also pioneered in the planning of the area rail industry. He died in 1843 and is buried near his homesite (300 yds. N).
Erected 1981 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10676.)
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical date for this entry is April 15, 1909.
Location. 29° 35.92′ N, 94° 59.201′ W. Marker is in Seabrook, Texas, in Harris County. It is on Palm Street 0.1 miles north of El Jardin Drive, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Seabrook TX 77586, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Prehistoric Indian Campsite (approx. 0.6 miles away); Houston Yacht Club (approx. 1.6 miles away); Isaiah P. Walker House (approx. 1.8 miles away); Ritson Morris and Elmwood Plantation (approx. 2.6 miles away); Sylvan Beach Pavilion (approx. 3.9 miles away); The La Porte-Sylvan Beach Depot (approx. 4.1 miles away); La Porte's Original Library (approx. 4.1 miles away); Saint Mary's Seminary (approx. 4.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Seabrook.
Photographed by Gregory Walker, April 17, 2010
2. Captain William Plunkett Harris Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,821 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 19, 2010, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
