Texas Confederate Legislator, Dr. M. D. K. Taylor
Historical marker location:Alabama physician. Came to Texas, 1847. Served Cass County in Texas House and Senate for 24 years. Was called the ablest parliamentarian of his time.
Served as one of the speakers of Texas House of Representatives in critical Civil War years, 1861-65. Legislators passed laws to raise, equip and supply 90,000 Texas soldiers who fought on all fronts and provided for defense of state's 2000 mile frontier and coast against Indians, enemy troops and ships.
As naval blockade reduced imports, the Legislature established plants to make guns, powder, cloth, salt. Contracts, subsidies and land grants were provided to encourage private industry to help meet heavy wartime demands for arms, supplies, clothing, food.
Taylor and the other lawmakers taxed property and business and required farmers to turn in tithes of produce to meet the crisis. Funds were voted to buy cotton for state exchange for goods in Mexico to aid soldiers' dependents, and to provide hospitals and medical care for troops-- in and out of state.
The Legislature was in almost continuous session. Poor pay and inflated Confederate money caused many members to live in tents and covered wagons on the Capitol grounds, and cook over campfires
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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
The county was named after Lewis Cass, a statesman and politician from Michigan who served as Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. In its early years, Cass County saw rapid growth, fueled by the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and coal. The county became an important center for the mining industry and attracted numerous settlers and investors seeking economic opportunities.
Cass County played an important role during the Civil War, as it was strategically located between the Confederate and Union forces. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, and many of its residents enlisted in both armies. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.
After the Civil War, Cass County experienced a period of slow recovery, but it gradually rebounded with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton and timber industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought another wave of growth and prosperity to the county. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base and a rich historical heritage.
Cass County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cass County, Texas.
- 1848 - Cass County is established as a county in Texas.
- 1850s - The population of Cass County booms with the discovery of oil in the area.
- 1861-1865 - Cass County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1880s - The railroad arrives in Cass County, further boosting its economy and population.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Cass County, leading to economic struggles for the community.
- 1950s - The construction of Lake O' the Pines brings recreational opportunities to Cass County.
- 1970s - Cass County experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the oil industry.
- 2000s - Cass County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism.