Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

David Reed Mitchell

Photographed by James Hulse, August 23, 2026

1. David Reed Mitchell Marker

Inscription. David Reed Mitchell, born in 1797 in North Carolina, arrived in Robertson County, Texas, in 1845. He was a surveyor by trade, and had surveyed the upper Trinity and Brazos River areas in 1844. He became surveyor of the Robertson County Land District, and worked on the Mercer and Peters colonies, as well as the original plans of Navarro County and Corsicana. Mitchell was also a land speculator of sorts, and by 1847 he owned a large amount of land in Navarro County. With two partners, Thomas I. Smith and James C. Neill, he donated one hundred acres on which the town of Corsicana was founded. For a time, he operated an inn in the town, sometimes referred to as the "Lower Hotel" because of its location in proximity to another hotel run by pioneer Hampton McKinney. David Reed Mitchell was married to Mary Ann Higgins, and they were the parents of five children. Mitchell continued to live in Corsicana until his death on October 7, 1853. He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, and the citizens of Corsicana erected a monument at his grave in 1899. Of the three partners who donated land for the city

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of Corsicana, Mitchell is the only one buried here.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7232.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1863.

Location. 32° 5.855′ N, 96° 28.439′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. It is on North 15th Street, on the left when traveling north. Located at the Oakwood Cemetery entrance on North 15th Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

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:

Photographed by James Hulse, August 23, 2026

2. David Reed Mitchell Marker

Rev. Hampton McKinney (a few steps from this marker); George Washington Shelton (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonel Clinton McKamey Winkler (within shouting distance of this marker); Navarro County World War Memorial (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Orville “Lefty” Frizzell (about 600 feet away); Samuel R. Frost (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colonel Roger Q. Mills (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frank Neal Drane (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 17, 2012

3. David Reed Mitchell Marker

David Reed Mitchell Monument, as mentioned image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 17, 2012

4. David Reed Mitchell Monument, as mentioned

Mitchell Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 17, 2012

5. Mitchell Monument

David R. Mitchell
Died Oct. 7, 1853
Our Pioneer, the founder of our
city and a leader in all laudable
enterprises. His benevolence
was proverbial. Ever ready with
the pipe of peace he warned the
red man he came to stay.
In memory of his many virtues
this monument is erected by a
greatful people. Aug. 2, 1899

Mitchell

David Reed Mitchell Marker and monument at Oakwood Cemetery, entrance on North 15th Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, September 17, 2012

6. David Reed Mitchell Marker and monument at Oakwood Cemetery, entrance on North 15th Street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 9, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 786 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 24, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 10, 2013, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.