Historical Marker

Sarah Ridge Paschal Pix

Historical marker location:
Smith Point, Texas
( FM 562 ROW, near McNier Cemetery, .75 mi. north of Smith Point)
Marker installed: 1979
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Born on the family plantation in the Cherokee Nation near present Rome, Georgia, Sarah Ridge (1814-1891) attended mission schools and girls' seminary. Her father Major Ridge was a Cherokee leader and friend of Sam Houston. Major Ridge, Sarah's brother John, and cousin were later assassinated for supporting the treaty which traded Indian lands for acreage in the West. This treaty led to the infamous "Trail of Tears."

Sarah married a lawyer, George Washington Paschal, in 1837 and they settled in Arkansas. In 1847 the family and slaves moved to Galveston. During the 1850 yellow fever epidemic Sarah opened her home and treated many of the ill with an Indian remedy. After Sarah and Paschal were divorced, she married Charles C. Sisson Pix, an Englishman, in 1856 in the home of Republic of Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar.

Sarah traded her Galveston home for this land of smith Point soon after her marriage. Pix cattle ranged from here to present Liberty. While Pix served in the Confederate Army, Sarah built the ranch into a large operation. With the end of slavery, the ranch declined.

After Sarah divorced Pix in 1880, she remained on the ranch with her widowed daughter Agnes Paschal McNeir and two grandsons. Heirs still own the land

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Chambers County, Texas has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapas tribes. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, with the region becoming a part of Mexican Texas in 1821.

In 1824, Thomas Jefferson Chambers, a lawyer and land speculator, was granted a colonization contract for the area, which later became known as Chambers County. He established a settlement called Anahuac, which quickly grew into a thriving port town. However, tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government eventually led to the Anahuac Disturbances in 1832, a series of conflicts over local issues such as trade regulations and land titles.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Chambers County played a significant role. The Battle of Anahuac took place in May of that year, with Texian rebels successfully capturing the Mexican garrison and securing control of the region. After Texas gained independence, Chambers County became part of the Republic of Texas in 1836.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chambers County's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, with cotton and rice being the primary crops. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought a new wave of economic growth to the region. The establishment of several petrochemical plants contributed to the county's industrial development, transforming it into an important hub for the oil and gas industry.

Today, Chambers County continues to evolve and thrive. It is renowned for its natural beauty and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The county's historical significance, coupled with its economic growth, makes it an attractive place to live and visit in Southeast Texas.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chambers County, Texas.

  • 1830s - Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Atakapa are present in the area.
  • 1822 - The Mexican government establishes the Municipality of Atascosito, which includes present-day Chambers County.
  • 1835-1836 - The Texas Revolution takes place, leading to Texas gaining its independence from Mexico.
  • 1836 - Chambers County is officially founded and named after Thomas Jefferson Chambers, a landowner and early settler in the area.
  • 1840 - The town of Anahuac becomes the county seat of Chambers County.
  • 1850s - Rice becomes an important crop in the county, leading to economic growth.
  • 1861-1865 - Chambers County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1875 - The Galveston, Houston, and Henderson Railroad is completed, boosting trade and transportation in the county.
  • 1900 - The devastating Galveston Hurricane causes significant damage to Chambers County.
  • 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike in nearby Beaumont leads to an oil boom in Chambers County.
  • 1933 - The completion of the Intracoastal Waterway greatly benefits the county's shipping and trade industries.
  • 1943-1945 - During World War II, the county hosts the Chambers County Airport, which serves as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces.
  • 1957 - Chambers County becomes home to the Chambers County Nuclear Power Plant, which operates until 1974.
  • 2005 - Chambers County is impacted by Hurricane Rita and experiences significant damage.