Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Oran Milo Roberts

(July 9, 1815 - May 19, 1898)

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, March 4, 2012

1. Oran Milo Roberts Marker

Inscription. A South Carolina-born Alabama legislator, Oran M. Roberts came to San Augustine, Texas in 1841. He served in district and state judicial positions, including the first district court in Canton in 1850, and was president of the Secession Convention in 1861. After service as a colonel in the 11th Regiment, Texas Infantry, his postwar career included a second turn as a state Supreme Court judge; he made the 1877 ruling that ended the Van Zandt County Seat War. Roberts was elected governor of Texas in 1878. He was a law professor at the new University of Texas until 1893. Roberts helped form the Texas State Historical Association in 1895.

Researched by Annette Herndon Plemmons

Erected 1998 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11436.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1841.

Location. 32° 33.384′ N, 95° 51.786′ W. Marker is in Canton, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It is on East Dallas Street (State Highway 64) east of South Buffalo Street (State Highway 198), on the right when traveling east. In front of courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 121 E Dallas St, Canton TX 75103, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American 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: Site of 1896 Van Zandt County Courthouse (here, next to this marker);

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Van Zandt County Courthouse (a few steps from this marker); Caldwell Walton Raines (a few steps from this marker); Isaac and Frances Van Zandt (a few steps from this marker); John H. Reagan (a few steps from this marker); Isaac Van Zandt (a few steps from this marker); Dixie Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington Tull, Sr. (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, March 4, 2012

2. Oran Milo Roberts Marker

The marker is behind the truck.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2012, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 874 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 28, 2012, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.