West Columbia in Brazoria County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of the Home of Josiah Hughes Bell

1791 - 1838

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, May 31, 2025

1. Site of the Home of Josiah Hughes Bell Marker

Inscription. One of the “Old Three Hundred” who came to Texas with Stephen F. Austin in 1821 • First alcade (sic, alcalde) of Austin's Colony • On this tract of 6,642 acres, granted him in 1824, was later built the town of Columbia, First Capital of the Republic

Erected 1936 by State of Texas. (Marker Number 9526.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Texas 1936 Centennial Markers and Monuments series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.

Location. 29° 7.775′ N, 95° 38.767′ W. Marker is in West Columbia, Texas, in Brazoria County. It can be reached from South Columbia Drive (State Highway 36) north of Reid Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: West Columbia TX 77486, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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,

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: Byrd Lockhart (approx. 0.7 miles away); Henry S. Brown (approx. 0.7 miles away); John S. D. Byrom (approx. 0.7 miles away); Nathaniel C. Hazen (approx. 0.7 miles away); John Adriance (approx. ¾ mile away); Josiah H. Bell (approx. ¾ mile away); Thaddus Constantine Bell

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(approx. ¾ mile away); Mary Eveline McKenzie Bell (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Columbia.

Also see . . . Bell, Josiah Hughes. The Handbook of Texas Online, Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on February 18, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Photographed by Debbie A. Sutherland, November 20, 2011

2. Site of the home of Josiah Hughes Bell Marker

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, May 31, 2025

3. Site of the Home of Josiah Hughes Bell Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 3, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2012, by Debbie A. Sutherland of West Columbia, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,514 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2. submitted on February 18, 2012, by Debbie A. Sutherland of West Columbia, Texas. 3. submitted on June 3, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.