Historical Marker

American Legion Post No. 1, Bruce B. Williams

The first American Legion Post in Texas was established at Commerce in 1919, the same year the veterans organization was begun nationally. Inspired by the funeral of Private Albert A. Barrow, who had served in World War I, Dr. W. B. DeJernett directed formation of a local veterans group. The first meeting was held in a building at Washington and Alamo streets (2 blks. W). Chartered on July 1, 1919 and named in honor of Bruce B. Williams, the first Commerce serviceman to die in World War I, the post has been a prominent leader at the state and national levels.