Kendalia in Kendall County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
George Wilkins Kendall
C.S.A. Home Front Producer
| | (1809 - 1867) | |
Photographed by Richard Denney, September 23, 2011
1. C.S.A. Home Front Producer George Wilkins Kendall Marker
A molder of world opinion. His theme: Greatness of Texas. Born in New Hampshire. Learned printing and worked in New York, Boston and Washington, D.C.
With Francis A. Lumsden, in 1837 founded New Orleans "Picayune". Joined the Texan-Santa Fe Expedition, 1841, as a reporter. Was imprisoned along with other ill-fated members. Wrote a book on the expedition. During Mexican War, 1846-1848, often rode with the Texas Rangers, in world's first war coverage by a foreign correspondent; filed his news by Pony Express.
In 1847 settled on Texas sheep range, at Post Oak Springs. Continuing news columns brought him in a single mail 300 letters from far away as Sandwich Islands, inquiring about Texas.
During the Civil War, produced wool for Confederate uniforms, blankets. Proposed a weaving mill on Comal River, for making cloth near the flocks. Received no government response. To keep producing wool, had to fight Comanches, range fires, freezing disasters. When roaming vandals threatened to kill shepherds, he and his teenage son tended flocks themselves.
To end of his life, his regular dispatches to the "Picayune" continued to praise good life in Texas.
Erected 1965 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2169.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • War, Mexican-American • War, US Civil • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.
Location. 29° 58.16′ N, 98° 31.262′ W. Marker is in Kendalia, Texas, in Kendall County. It is at the intersection of Ranch to Market Road 473 and Crabapple Road, on the left when traveling east on Road 473. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2610 Ranch Rd 473, Kendalia TX 78027, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Kendalia Community Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Specht's Crossing (approx. 7.4 miles away); Spring Branch Post Office (approx. 7.4 miles away); Herman and Ada Knibbe House (approx. 7.9 miles away); Saint Mary's Help of Christians Catholic Church (approx. 7.9 miles away); Adam Becker Homestead (approx. 8.3 miles away); Blanco State Park (approx. 10.1 miles away); The Engel Store (approx. 10.4 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia article. (Submitted on September 24, 2011, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)
2. Handbook of Texas Online. (Submitted on September 24, 2011, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas.)
Photographed by Richard Denney, September 23, 2011
2. Marker in context, Public library behind
Photographed by Richard Denney, September 23, 2011
3. Roadside view of marker
The marker is in front of the Kendalia Public Library.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2011, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,536 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2026, by Joe Lotz of Flower Mound, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 24, 2011, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
