Bastrop in Bastrop County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Josiah Pugh Wilbarger
In Memoriam
Photographed by Richard Denney, November 24, 2014
1. Josiah Pugh Wilbarger Marker
Josiah Pugh Wilbarger
of Austin's Colony was stabbed
and scalped by the Indians in 1832
while locating lands for the Colonies.
Born in Bourbon Co. Ky. Sept. 10, 1801
Died in Bastrop Co. Tex. April 11, 1845
A true Pioneer and Patriot.
We honor the spirit of sacrifice.
Reverenced and erected by his descendants.
Erected 1936. (Marker Number 16095.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 2002.
Location. 30° 6.932′ N, 97° 18.332′ W. Marker is in Bastrop, Texas, in Bastrop County. It can be reached from the intersection of State Hwy 95. The marker is located in the Fairview Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1307 State Hwy 95, Bastrop TX 78602, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Texas and in the Austin Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South. 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 walking distance of this marker: War Babies (a few steps from this marker); William Dunbar (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Rangers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line);
this page online
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Bluff Trail Overlook marker overlooking Wilbarger Bend of the Colorado River. Pecan Springs School near the original location of this marker.
Also see . . .
1. Wilbarger, Josiah Pugh. Article from The Handbook of Texas Online. (Submitted on November 24, 2014, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)
2. Travis County Historical Commission. Article about this marker which dates to 1927 and is likely the oldest in Travis County. (Submitted on December 10, 2019, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)
3. Austin Monument Protested by Neighborhood. Article from March, 2023 with more information on neighborhood protest that led to the removal of the marker. (Submitted on May 24, 2024, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)
Additional commentary.
1. Marker relocated in 1985
This marker was originally located at the site where the rescue party
Photographed by Richard Denney, November 24, 2014
2. Josiah Pugh Wilbarger Marker
— Submitted June 29, 2019, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.
Photographed by Richard Denney, November 24, 2014
3. An Additional Marker
An additional marker reads: In Memory of Thomas Christian, William Strother and Josiah Wilbarger, members of a party of five who were attacked near here by Indians in August, 1833. Christian and Strother were killed, Wilbarger was scalped and eventually died of his wounds. The other two escaped.
May 23, 2024
4. Josiah Pugh Wilbarger Marker - permanently removed.
Preparation for the permanent removal of the marker at the request of a local neighborhood and approved by Austin City Council and removed by Austin Parks and Recreation Department.
May 23, 2024
5. Josiah Pugh Wilbarger Marker - permanently removed.
Marker has been permanently removed at the request of a local neighborhood and approved by Austin City Council and removed by Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Marker was moved to the Wilbarger family plot in Fairview Cemetery, Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas, USA. Wilbarger himself is buried in the Texas State Cemetery, Austin, Texas.
May 27, 2024
6. Public notice of relocation, Bartholomew District Park, Windsor Park Neighborhood
Visible here is spot where the marker was removed, looking north along Berkman Drive. Sign reads "Public Notice: Monument Relocation. The Josiah Wilbarger monument has been relocated to the Wilbarger Family plot at the Fairview Cemetery in Bastrop, Texas, with the support of the Wilbarger Family descendants. For questions about the relocation, please contact (512) 974-9478. Austin Parks & Recreation, City of Austin."
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, December 8, 2025
7. Josiah Pugh Wilbarger Marker
New location of marker
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 24, 2014, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 4,584 times since then and 233 times this year. Last updated on December 11, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 24, 2014, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. 4, 5. submitted on May 24, 2024. 6. submitted on May 28, 2024. 7. submitted on December 11, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
