Garland Township in Texarkana in Bowie County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Wavell's Colony

Photographed by Brian Anderson, December 1, 2025

1. Wavell's Colony Marker

Inscription. Projected in 1826 by General Arthur G. Wavell, Scottish-born soldier of fortune. By terms of a Mexican grant, he agreed to introduce 400-500 families into an area on the Red River. Ben Milam, frontiersman, was agent. Many pioneers were actually brought in, but because Mexico and the U. S. disputed part of the grant, no titles were ever issued by Wavell. Some settlers, however, later received titles from the Republic of Texas. The colony included virtually all of present Bowie, Red River Counties (Tex.), Miller County (Ark.), and possibly others to the west.

Erected 1969 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9513.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1826.

Location. 33° 25.496′ N, 94° 2.607′ W. Marker is in Texarkana, Texas, in Bowie County. It is in Garland Township. It is at the intersection of Olive Street and West 5th Street, on the left when traveling south on Olive Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Texarkana TX 75501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney 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 walking distance of this marker: The French in Texas (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Mothers Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); United States Post Office and Courthouse

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(within shouting distance of this marker); St. James Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Texarkana World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); “Ace of Clubs” House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Offenhauser Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Disciples of Christ in Texas (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Texarkana.

Also see . . . Arthur Goodall Wavell: Soldier, Empresario, and Pioneer of Texas. The Handbook of Texas Online - Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on December 23, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 97 times since then and 71 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on December 23, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.

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