George Webster Smith
Historical marker location:George Webster Smith was a former union soldier whose beliefs set off a chain of dramatic events in the tense atmosphere of post-Civil War Texas. Born in New York in 1841, Smith moved to Michigan early in his life. When the Civil War started, he joined his uncles in the 123rd Regiment of the New York Infantry. After the Civil War, Smith moved with an uncle to Jefferson, where he acquired a reputation as an ardent Republican and became heavily involved in local Reconstruction efforts. Smith became active in politics, serving as a member of the voter registration board for Marion County, which was responsible for disenfranchising former confederates. He was also elected as a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of 1868, as well as the state Republican convention the same year.
It was in 1868 that Smith became embroiled in an argument with Colonel R.P. Crump. This dispute led to a shooting incident in which two members of Crump’s party were wounded. Smith surrendered and was placed at this site in the Calaboose, the city jail which opened in 1867. The mayor assured him he would be protected by guards, but on the evening of October 4, a group of about 70 disguised men disarmed the guards and assassinated Smith, as well as two freedmen. Because of the murders, the city of Jefferson came under martial law, and some officials, including the mayor, were replaced. Twenty-three men were brought to trial in 1869, with three convicted of murder and sentenced to life terms, and other convicted of lesser charges. Smith’s death was noteworthy as a symbol of the deep and often violent racial divide in Texas after the Civil War, and as the event that marked both the beginning of federal troop withdrawal from Jefferson and the end of the terror brought about by the Knights of the Rising Sun, the organization to which many of the accused belonged.
(2006)
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
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 first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
The early settlement in Marion County was primarily driven by the sawmill industry, as many settlers arrived to exploit the vast pine forests in the area. Lumber became a major source of economic growth, leading to the establishment of several sawmills and the development of a thriving logging community. However, the decline of the timber industry in the early 20th century had a significant impact on the county's economy.
During the Civil War, Marion County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others supporting the Union. The county saw several skirmishes between Confederate and Union forces, with the town of Jefferson acting as an important Confederate supply depot. After the war, many of the county's plantations were abandoned, and former slaves faced economic and social challenges.
In the 20th century, Marion County experienced a revival in its economy through the tourism industry. The historic town of Jefferson, with its well-preserved architecture and rich history, became a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the charm of the Old South. Today, Marion County boasts a thriving tourism sector, attracting visitors with its historic sites, museums, festivals, and recreational activities in its beautiful natural surroundings.
Marion County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Marion County, Texas.
- 1837: Marion County is established by the Republic of Texas.
- 1841: Jefferson is chosen as the county seat.
- 1845: Texas becomes a state.
- 1861-1865: Marion County residents participate in the American Civil War.
- 1867: Marion County votes against secession from the United States.
- 1873: Texas and Pacific Railway completes a railroad line through the county.
- 1905: A new courthouse is built in Jefferson.
- 1937: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county.
- 1969: The Texas Historical Commission designates Jefferson as a National Historic Landmark.
- 1984: Jefferson is named the "Bed and Breakfast Capital of Texas."