Central East Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Jacob Fontaine

(c. 1808-1898)

Photographed By Keith Peterson, August 18, 2007

1. Jacob Fontaine Marker

Inscription.

Jacob Fontaine was born in Arkansas and came to Austin about 1850 as a slave of Episcopal minister Edward Fontaine. In 1864 Jacob began preaching separate services for fellow slaves attending the First Baptist Church, then founded the First Baptist Church, Colored, about 1867. Jacob also established five other churches in this area and a county association of Black Baptists. He was politically active; published the “Gold Dollar,” an early black newspaper; and urged black voters to support Austin’s bid for the University of Texas in 1881. He is buried here in an unmarked grave.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15048.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 30° 16.582′ N, 97° 43.707′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Central East Austin. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Navasota Street and East 16th Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located in Oakwood Cemetery, a few paces to the north (on the left) after entering the western gates of the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Austin TX 78702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. George Washington Glasscock (a few steps from this marker); Oakwood Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. George W. Terrell (within shouting distance of this marker); Major William Martin “Buck” Walton (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Swante Palm (about 500 feet away); Andrew Jackson Hamilton (about 500 feet away); Joseph Baker (about 500 feet away); John Crittenden Duval (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.

Photographed By Michael Heinich, December 13, 2014

2. Jacob Fontaine Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,410 times since then and 72 times this year. Last updated on January 23, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Accra, Ghana. Photos: 1. submitted on December 26, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on December 16, 2014, by Michael Heinich of Austin, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.