Historical Marker
General James Smith
Historical marker location:
corner of S. Main St. and Jacksonville Dr., Henderson, Texas
( Smith Memorial Park, corner of S. Main St. and Jacksonville Dr.)
Marker installed: 1962
Park named for General James Smith (Sept. 10, 1792-Dec. 25, 1855)
On this hill, as he wished for burial in sight of courthouse is grave of General James Smith, co-founder of Henderson. A south Carolina native, he fought for the U.S. in War of 1812. Moved to Texas 1835. Returned to U.S. to raise troops for Texas War of Independence. Later he fought in Republic's Indian Wars; regulator-moderator uprising in 1840s in East Texas; and in Mexican War.
He was first Judge, East Texas District; a legislator; honored in naming of nearby Smith County.
His wife, Hannah Parker Smith, is buried beside him in this park. They had ten children.