Center in Shelby County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The First Battle

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023

1. The First Battle Marker

Inscription. Between bands of regulators and moderators led by Ephraim Daggett and Ned Merchant, which occurred in this vicinity, led to an unorganized war, 1841-1844, by regulators, under the leadership of Watt Norman, and moderators, led by John M. Bradley. After heavy sacrifice of life and property, General James Smith with Texas forces restored order in August, 1844 without firing a gun.

Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 7680.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Wars, Non-US. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1844.

Location. 31° 46.981′ N, 94° 7.119′ W. Marker is in Center, Texas, in Shelby County. It is on State Highway 87 0.1 miles Farm to Market Road 414, on the right when traveling south. 2.5 mi. east of Center on SH 87 near junction w/ FM 414. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Center TX 75935, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney

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Woods.

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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Shelby County (approx. 2.1 miles away); Sardis Methodist Church (approx. 2.6 miles away); Fairview Cemetery (approx. 2.9 miles away); Racial Terror Lynchings / The Lynching of Lige Daniels (approx. 2.9 miles away); Site of the Last Battle (approx. 3.6 miles away); First Christian Church of Center (approx. 3.7 miles away); C.S.A. Texas Muster (approx. 3.8 miles away); Shelby County Courthouse (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Center.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 23, 2023

2. The First Battle Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 383 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.