Near Hallettsville in Lavaca County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
William Smothers
(1760-1837)
— A Veteran of the American Revolution. —
Photographed By Gregory Walker
1. William Smothers Marker
Inscription.
William Smothers. A native of Virginia, William Smothers was orphaned at 12 when Indians killed his father, and his mother died of shock. In the American Revolution, he fought at King's Mountain, Guilford Courthouse, Camden, and Eutaw Springs. He moved to Kentucky in 1781, built two forts near present Hartford, originally called "Smothers Station," and in 1798 founded an Ohio river port that later became Owensboro. He was a leader in civil affairs in early Kentucky, was a militia captain, and commanded troops in the War of 18 12. Smothers Park in Owensboro is named in his honor. Smothers scouted in Texas before 1820, returned in 1821 with the exploring party of Stephen F. Austin, and helped build Fort Bend for the safety of the "Old 300" settlers. In 1824 Mexico gave him a land grant; in 1826, he and two sons helped settle DeWitt's Colony, receiving land grants in the vicinity of this marker. Fearless and a skillful guide, he often hunted with his friend Jim Bowie. Reputedly he tomahawked bears in hand combat. Married twice, he was ancestor of many leading Texans. He died in 1837, after seeing a son and three grandsons help to win the Texas War for Independence.
A native of Virginia, William Smothers was orphaned at 12 when Indians killed his father, and his mother died of shock. In the American Revolution, he fought at King's Mountain, Guilford Courthouse, Camden, and Eutaw Springs. He moved to Kentucky in 1781, built two forts near present Hartford, originally called "Smothers Station," and in 1798 founded an Ohio river port that later became Owensboro. He was a leader in civil affairs in early Kentucky, was a militia captain, and commanded troops in the War of 1812. Smothers Park in Owensboro is named in his honor. Smothers scouted in Texas before 1820, returned in 1821 with the exploring party of Stephen F. Austin, and helped build Fort Bend for the safety of the "Old 300" settlers. In 1824 Mexico gave him a land grant; in 1826, he and two sons helped settle DeWitt's Colony, receiving land grants in the vicinity of this marker. Fearless and a skillful guide, he often hunted with his friend Jim Bowie. Reputedly he tomahawked bears in hand combat. Married twice, he was ancestor of many leading Texans. He died in 1837, after seeing a son and three grandsons help to win the Texas War for Independence.
Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 5846.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration
Location. 29° 25.216′ N, 96° 57.365′ W. Marker is near Hallettsville, Texas, in Lavaca County. Marker is on U.S. 77, 0.7 miles south of Farm to Market Road 318, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hallettsville TX 77964, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 24, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2016, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,616 times since then and 100 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 22, 2016, by Gregory Walker of La Grange, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
