Georgetown in Williamson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Robert McAlpin Williamson (1804-1859)

AKA “Three-Legged Willie”

Photographed By Frederick Bothwell, July 2, 2023

1. Robert McAlpin Williamson (1804-1859) Marker

Inscription. Robert McAlpin Williamson came to Texas from Georgia in 1826. He co founded a newspaper and edited two others, practiced law, and was a major in the Texas Rangers. He fought in the Texian Army alongside Sam Houston, traveled early Texas as a circuit riding judge, served on the Texas Supreme Court, and was elected Senator for the brand new state of Texas. He believed that Texas counties should be named for Texas heroes; Williamson County is named for him.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Law Enforcement • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 30° 38.215′ N, 97° 40.69′ W. Marker is in Georgetown, Texas, in Williamson County. Marker is at the intersection of South Austin Avenue and West 8th Street, on the left when traveling north on South Austin Avenue. The marker and a life sized statue of McAlpin are on the west side of the Courthouse Square in Georgetown, in front of the Williamson County Museum. Like other modern memorial statues and markers in Georgetown, it faces away from the street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 716 South Austin Avenue, Georgetown TX 78626, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Farmers State Bank Building (a few steps from this marker); David Love Store (a few

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steps from this marker); Robert Jones Rivers (within shouting distance of this marker); Judge Greenleaf Fisk (within shouting distance of this marker); Chief Justice John Edward Hickman (within shouting distance of this marker); Steele Store - Makemson Hotel Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Williamson County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Williamson County (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Georgetown.

Regarding Robert McAlpin Williamson (1804-1859). At the age of fifteen, Williamson became ill with "white swelling," later known as tubercular arthritis, a tubercular infection of the bone that usually affected children, caused a painful swelling of weight-bearing joints, and resulted in deformities of the lower extremities. He was confined to his bed for months. His right leg became paralyzed below the knee, and when he recovered he would rely for the rest of his life on a wooden leg fastened to his knee.

Also see . . . University of Texas Tarlton Law Library Profile

Three Legged Willie image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Frederick Bothwell, 2 JUL 2023

2. Three Legged Willie

McAlpin statue as seen from sidewalk in front of Williamson County Museum. Williamson County Courthouse in background.

Excerpt: Williamson left Georgia around the end of 1825, spent some time in Alabama and New Orleans, and arrived in San Felipe de Austin, Texas, the rough-and-tumble capital of Stephen F. Austin's colony, in June 1827. Why he came to Texas is unknown, but stories persist that he may have fled after wounding an adversary in a duel over the affections of a woman. Whatever his motive, Texas suited his independent spirit and sense of adventure.

(Submitted on July 8, 2023, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas.)

Williamson statue as seen from South Austin Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Frederick Bothwell, 2 JUL 2023

3. Williamson statue as seen from South Austin Avenue

Robert McAlpin Williamson image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Center for Legal History, State Bar of Texas

4. Robert McAlpin Williamson

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2023, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 8, 2023, by Frederick Bothwell of Georgetown, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.