Historical Marker

Confederate Veterans in Bryan City Cemetery

Historical marker location:
1111 North Texas, Bryan, Texas
( Bryan City Cemetery, 1111 N. Texas Avenue)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

THE CIVIL WAR AND ITS AFTERMATH GREATLY AFFECTED BRAZOS COUNTY. WAR HALTED PROGRESS OF THE HOUSTON & TEXAS CENTRAL RAILWAY AND MADE MILLICAN A BOOMTOWN. AFTER THE WAR, THE RAILROAD CREATED A NEW TOWN, BRYAN CITY, AND BROUGHT A NEED FOR MEN AND WOMEN TO BUILD UP THE NEW SETTLEMENT.

BRYAN CITY CEMETERY IS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE OF AT LEAST 161 CONFEDERATE VETERANS WHO SETTLED HERE TO HELP THE CITY DEVELOP. MANY OF THEIR STORIES INTERSECT IN LIFE AND IN DEATH. MILTON WALKER SIMS, SR., AIDE-DE-CAMP ON GEN. PAUL O. HEBERT’S STAFF, WAS LATER GIVEN COMMAND OF HIS OWN CAVALRY REGIMENT. COL. SIMS IS THE HIGHEST-RANKING CONFEDERATE OFFICER IN THE CEMETERY. GUY MORRISON BRYAN, JR. OPENED THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BRYAN (1886) AND CREATED THE BRAZOS RIVER BRIDGE CO. (1896) TO ERECT THE FIRST STEEL BRIDGE OVER THE WATERWAY. MILTON PARKER, WHO FOUGHT AT SHILOH AND VICKSBURG, WAS ACTIVE IN COMMERCE, BANKING AND REAL ESTATE, ACQUIRING VAST LAND HOLDINGS IN THE BRAZOS RIVER BOTTOMS. WILLIAM EDWARD SAUNDERS FOUNDED THE CITY’S COMMERCIAL CLUB AND WAS THE LAST CONFEDERATE VETERAN BURIED HERE. BRISCOE GERARD BALDWIN, JR., CHIEF OF ORDNANCE FOR THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, CAME TO TEXAS TO OPERATE A STAGE LINE FROM SAN ANTONIO TO EL PASO, THEN WAS SUPERINTENDENT OF BRAZOS COUNTY SCHOOLS. HENRY BATES STODDARD WAS PRESIDENT OF TEXAS CATTLE RAISERS ASSOCIATION (1887) AND, AS BRIG. GEN. IN THE TEXAS VOLUNTEER GUARD, PRESIDED OVER CEREMONIES DEDICATING THE NEW CAPITOL BUILDING IN AUSTIN (1888). MANY CONFEDERATE VETERANS WERE EARLY FACULTY AND STAFF OF THE AGRICULTURAL & MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS (LATER TEXAS A&M), INCLUDING WILLIAM ADAM BANKS, DR. DAVID P. SMYTHE, WILLIAM BRINGHURST AND BERNARD SBISA. THESE MEN WITH A COMMON BOND IN WAR BANDED TOGETHER FOR THE COMMON GOOD AND PROGRESS OF THEIR CITY AND STATE.

175 YEARS OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE * 1836-2011

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • 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.

Civil War military topics wars
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Brazos County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1841. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Tonkawa peoples. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1820s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources of the region.

The county was officially created in 1841 and named after the Brazos River that flows through the area. During the mid-19th century, Brazos County experienced significant economic growth due to the expansion of cotton farming. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s further spurred development, leading to the establishment of new towns such as Bryan, which later became the county seat.

Brazos County played an important role in the Civil War, with many of its residents supporting the Confederacy. Throughout the war, Union troops occasionally invaded the county, leading to skirmishes between soldiers and local militias. The end of the war brought an era of reconstruction and the county, like many others in the South, faced significant economic challenges as it struggled to rebuild.

In the 20th century, Brazos County experienced steady growth and development. The presence of Texas A&M University, which was established in 1876, has had a major impact on the county's economy and cultural landscape. Today, Brazos County is a vibrant community known for its educational institutions, agriculture, and rich history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brazos County, Texas.

  • 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, including the area that would become Brazos County.
  • 1837 - Brazos County is officially founded and named after the Brazos River.
  • 1854 - Texas A&M University is established in Brazos County.
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, affecting Brazos County and leading to economic challenges.
  • 1882 - The first railroad reaches Bryan, the county seat of Brazos County, enhancing transportation and trade.
  • 1900 - The town of Marystown, later renamed College Station, is established near Texas A&M University.
  • 1930 - The area experiences significant population growth due to the expansion of Texas A&M University.
  • 1943 - During World War II, the Bryan Air Base is established in Brazos County, contributing to the local economy.
  • 1970 - George Bush, future President of the United States, moves to College Station and becomes involved in local politics.
  • 1999 - The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum is opened at Texas A&M University.