Columbus in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Benjamin Franklin Williams

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 15, 2026

1. Benjamin Franklin Williams Marker

Inscription.
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: Benjamin Franklin Williams (c. 1819- 1886), representative in the 12th Texas Legislature representing Colorado and Lavaca Counties.

Benjamin Franklin Williams, born into slavery in Virginia, was brought to Colorado County around 1859. After Emancipation, he became a traveling Methodist preacher and church leader, founding St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Columbus. Williams also became involved in the Union League,

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serving as chaplain. He was elected as a Republican to represent Colorado and Lavaca Counties (25th District) in the 12th Legislature; Waller, Fort Bend and Wharton Counties (37th District) in the 16th Legislature; and Waller and Fort Bend Counties (53rd District) in the 19th Legislature. Williams helped found the town of Kendleton and served as its first postmaster. He and wife Caroline had one son, Thomas.

Erected 2023 by The 88th Texas Legislature and the Texas Historical Commission.

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° 42.383′ N, 96° 32.393′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Texas, in Colorado County. It is at the intersection of Walnut Street (U.S. 90) and Travis Street, on the left when traveling west on Walnut Street. Marker is located in front of the courthouse, on the north side, on Walnut St (Hwy 90). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 Spring St, Columbus TX 78934, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 15, 2026

2. Benjamin Franklin Williams Marker

Marker is on the left; William Menefee marker (3332) is on the right.

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,

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: William Menefee (here, next to this marker); 1890 Cornerstone Ceremony (within shouting distance of this marker); Colorado County (within shouting distance of this marker); Colorado County War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Columbus Oak (within shouting distance of this marker); District Court Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Colorado County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Columbus State Bank (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 17, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.