Downtown Austin in Travis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Governor James Edward Ferguson August 31, 1871 -September 21, 1944
Governor Miriam A. Ferguson June 13, 1875 - June 25, 1961
Photographed By Keith Peterson, September 3, 2007
1. Governor James Edward Ferguson Marker
James Ferguson, son of a Methodist preacher, and Miriam Wallace, daughter of a wealthy farmer, were Bell County natives. They married in 1899 and later settled with their two daughters in Temple. James, running as “Farmer Jim”, won the Governorship in 1914. His first term saw improvement of rural schools and the prison system, and relief for tenant farmers. In 1917 he began a second term, but within months he was impeached on charges that included mishandling of state funds; convicted by a special session of the 35th Legislature; and removed from office. In 1924 the Texas Supreme Court upheld a law barring him from state office, so Miriam ran for Governor in his place.
Called “Ma” by the press, Miriam campaigned under the slogan “two Governors for the price of one”. She beat the Ku Klux Klan candidate and in her first term (1925-27) supported an anti-mask bill that broke Klan power. Critics attacked her liberal pardoning policy. She defeated Gov. Ross S. Sterling to win her second term (1933-35), in the midst of the Depression. After losing the 1940 Democratic primary, the Fergusons retired from long and colorful political careers.
Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 14797.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 30° 16.362′ N, 97° 44.462′ W. Marker is in Austin, Texas, in Travis County. It is in Downtown Austin. Marker can be reached from the intersection of W 11th St and Congress Ave. On the southwest corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Austin TX 78701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Second Travis County Courthouse and Walton Building (here, next to this marker); Governor Andrew Jackson Hamilton (a few steps from this marker); Texas State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); The Woman Suffrage Movement in Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); African Americans in the Texas Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); Capitol Fence (within shouting distance of this marker); Capitol Grounds Design (within shouting distance of this marker); Southern Confederacy Monument (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Austin.
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia - James E. Ferguson. (Submitted on December 26, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
2. Wikipedia - Miriam A. Ferguson. (Submitted on December 26, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas.)
Additional keywords.
Photographed By Michael Heinich, August 24, 2014
2. Governor James Edward Ferguson August 31, 1871 -September 21, 1944 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 1,084 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 26, 2009, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. 2. submitted on August 24, 2014, by Michael Heinich of Austin, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
