Galveston in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
George Thompson Ruby
Photographed by Samuel Collins III
1. George Thompson Ruby Marker
Following the American Civil War and emancipation of slaves in 1865, it was not until 1871 that African Americans in Texas were able to uniformly register to vote, following the ratification of the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
While African Americans served as delegates to state constitutional conventions prior to 1870, the first African Americans elected to serve in the Texas Legislature were elected to the 12th Legislature, which convened in provisional session on February 8, 1870.
Prior to the end of federal Reconstruction in 1870, twelve African Americans served in the Texas House of Representatives, and two served in the Texas Senate.
This marker is erected in honor of: George Thompson Ruby (July 1, 1841October 31, 1882), senator in the 12th and 13th Texas Legislatures representing Galveston, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties.
Ruby was born free to parents Reuben and Rachel (Humphrey) Ruby in New York and raised in Portland, Maine. After teaching school in Louisiana, he joined the Freedmens Bureau in Galveston in 1866, first administering schools, then serving as a traveling agent establishing chapters of the Union League. Ruby became the president of the Union League in 1868. The next year, he was appointed deputy collector of customs at Galveston. While there, Ruby edited his first Black newspaper, the Galveston Standard. He served in the 12th and 13th Legislatures as a Republican. Not seeking re-election in 1873, he settled in New Orleans and edited the New Orleans Observer. His marriage to Lucy produced no offspring.
Erected 2023 by the 88th Texas Legislature and the Texas Historical Commission as authorized by SB 667.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Government & Politics. A significant historical date for this entry is February 8, 1870.
Location. 29° 18.185′ N,
this page online
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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dignified Resignation (a few steps from this marker); The Rt. Rev. Monsignor James Martin Kirwin (a few steps from this marker); Rabbi Henry Cohen (a few steps from this marker); Galveston County Communities (a few steps from this marker); Norris Wright Cuney (a few steps from this marker); Exploration (a few steps from this marker); George Campbell Childress
Photographed by Samuel Collins III, February 11, 2026
2. Galveston County Courthouse Square
Also see . . . George Thompson Ruby. Texas State Historical Association website.
When he first came to Texas, he was known as a militant Black carpetbagger. However, his personal qualities of tact and diplomacy, as well as his education, softened the reactions of his political opponents. On the other hand, he made many Whites uncomfortable when he married a mulatto, named Lucy, whom many mistook for White. One historian judges Ruby "the most important Black politician in Texas during Reconstruction in terms of power and ability." Ruby died of malaria in New Orleans on October 31, 1882.(Submitted on March 5, 2026, by Samuel Collins III of Hitchcock, Texas.)
Additional commentary.
1. Erected February 2026
The markers honoring Black/African-American elected officials during Reconstruction following the Civil War were approved in 2023, but many of the markers were not actually erected until February 2026 including this one.
— Submitted March 6, 2026, by Samuel Collins III of Hitchcock, Texas.
Additional keywords. Reconstruction
Photographed by Samuel Collins III, February 11, 2026
3. George Thompson Ruby Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2026, by Samuel Collins III of Hitchcock, Texas. This page has been viewed 99 times since then. Last updated on March 6, 2026, by Samuel Collins III of Hitchcock, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on March 5, 2026, by Samuel Collins III of Hitchcock, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on March 6, 2026, by Samuel Collins III of Hitchcock, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
