Archelaus Bynum Dodson
Historical marker location:(December 31, 1807-March 10, 1898)
Texas patriot famed as man who introduced the Lone Star flag during the Texas Revolution.
Born in North Carolina, Dodson came to Texas with his parents in 1827. He served as a delegate to the 1832 Convention seeking governmental reforms.
On May 17, 1835, he married Sarah Rudolph Bradley. Later in the year 1835, Dodson was first lieutenant in Texas defense unit under Capt. Andrew Robinson.
To Robinson's company his bride presented her handiwork-- a red, white and blue flag of Texas. This banner flew at Washington-on the-Brazos when Declaration of Independence was signed March 2, 1836.
Dodson continued to fight in the Texas Revolution until after victory at San Jacinto. He located his headright of land in Grimes County, moving family there in 1844. Mrs. Sarah Bradley Dodson, flag maker and mother of six children, died in 1848. Her grave is in Bethel Cemetery, near Bedias, Grimes County.
Dodson in 1850 married Louisa McWhorter, a widow. In 1860 he moved his family west to another Texas frontier, on the Nueces River. In this vicinity he lived to a respected old age. At death he was buried in Collins Cemetery, a half-mile south of here.
(1969)
1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Texas becomes a part of the Mexican territory.
1824: The Mexican government establishes a constitution, known as the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
1826: The Fredonian Rebellion occurs when Haden Edwards, an empresario (land agent), declares the independence of the Republic of Fredonia in East Texas. The rebellion is quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
1830: The Mexican government passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes several restrictions on American immigration to Texas and increases Mexican control over the region. This leads to growing tensions between Mexican authorities and the Anglo-American settlers.
1832: The Battle of Velasco takes place between Texian settlers and Mexican forces near the town of Velasco. The Texians win the battle, which marks one of the early armed conflicts in the region.
1835: The Texas Revolution officially begins with the Battle of Gonzales. Texian rebels refuse to surrender a cannon, and Mexican troops are sent to retrieve it. However, the Texians successfully defend the cannon, which has a flag with the words "Come and Take It" painted on it.
October 1835: Texian forces capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad, marking a significant victory for the revolutionaries.
November 1835: The Consultation, a provisional government, is established by the Texian rebels. They declare loyalty to Mexico while seeking a restoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and the removal of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.
December 1835: Texian rebels, under the command of Ben Milam, capture San Antonio de Béxar after a 13-day siege. Mexican forces under General Martín Perfecto de Cos surrender, giving the Texians control of the city.
March 1836: The Texian garrison at the Alamo, in San Antonio, is besieged by a large Mexican force under General Santa Anna. The battle lasts for 13 days, and despite fierce resistance, the defenders are overwhelmed, and all are killed.
March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted at the Convention of 1836, held at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Texas declares itself as an independent republic.
March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre takes place when General Santa Anna orders the execution of around 350 Texian prisoners of war at Goliad.
April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto occurs near the present-day city of Houston. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian army defeats the Mexican forces, capturing Santa Anna himself. The battle lasts only 18 minutes and is a decisive victory for the Texians.
May 14, 1836: The Treaties of Velasco are signed, officially ending the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna, as a prisoner, signs the treaties recognizing Texas as an independent republic and agreeing to withdraw Mexican troops from the region.
October 22, 1836: Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.
This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the Texas Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous smaller engagements and political developments throughout the conflict.
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.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
In the mid-19th century, settlers began to move into the region, attracted by its fertile soil and proximity to water sources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the main industry in the area, and the county quickly grew as a result. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, further boosting the local economy and facilitating transportation.
The county experienced a significant population increase in the early 20th century due to the discovery of oil nearby. Oil production became a major industry, attracting businesses and workers to the area. This led to the development of towns and infrastructure, contributing to the economic growth of Jim Wells County.
Over the years, Jim Wells County has faced challenges such as droughts, floods, and economic downturns, particularly in the agriculture and oil industries. However, the county has remained resilient and has diversified its economy to include other sectors such as healthcare, education, and retail. Today, Jim Wells County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial hub in South Texas, with a rich history and a promising future.
Jim Wells County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jim Wells County, Texas.
- 1848: Jim Wells County is formed from parts of Nueces County and named after James B. Wells, a prominent political figure in the area.
- 1904: The St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway is built through Jim Wells County, leading to increased agricultural development and population growth.
- 1911: Alice becomes the county seat of Jim Wells County, replacing Orange Grove.
- 1920s-1930s: The discovery of oil and gas in the county leads to an oil boom, spurring economic growth.
- 1940s-1950s: Jim Wells County sees a decline in population and agricultural activity due to the effects of World War II and changes in farming practices.
- 1988: Hurricane Gilbert hits Jim Wells County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
- 1990s-present: Jim Wells County continues to be primarily agricultural, with a focus on farming and ranching.