Historical Marker
Moses Austin Bryan
Historical marker location:
Independence, Texas
( Independence Cemetery, from Old Baylor State Park (3 blocks W of FM 50/FM 390 intersection) take CR 60 1.2 mile NW to cemetery, Independence.)
Grandson of Moses Austin, whose 1821 contract with Mexico opened Texas to Anglo-Americans. Moses Austin Bryan came to Texas in 1831; worked with his uncle, Stephen F. Austin; fought (1836) in Battle of San Jacinto; served as secretary, Republic of Texas Legation to United States, 1839; joined 1842 Somervell Expedition to resist Mexican aggressions in Texas; rose to major in Confederate army in Civil War, 1861-1865.
Bryan was father of 5 children.
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.