Historical Marker

Jesse H. Johnson

Historical marker location:
1700 Milam Street, Columbus, Texas
( 1700 Miliam St., Columbus)
Marker installed: 1994
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Jesse H. Johnson, born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, came to Texas in 1868 and settled here in Columbus, Colorado County. In May 1869 he was appointed sheriff of Colorado County, a position he held until the end of that year. Johnson became a part of Texas' legendary late 19th century cattle industry when in 1871 he led a cattle drive from Columbus to Abilene, Kansas, and delivered over 600 head of cattle. He was sworn in as Colorado County Justice of the Peace in 1872.

In 1873 Johnson married Laura Glenn Harbert, a local landowner of some prominence and the daughter of an important county judge. He served as district clerk of Colorado County from 1876 to 1882 and became a director of the Columbus Meat and Ice Company in 1883. His last official position in Colorado County was that of tax collector from 1886 to 1894.

Johnson joined the United States Foreign Service in 1899. He served as U.S. Consul in Coaticook, Quebec, Canada (1899-1901); Santos, Brazil (1901-1906); Swansea, Wales, U.K. (1907-1910); Matamoros, Mexico, (1910-1917); and at Regina, Saskatchewan, Western Canada, from 1917 to 1923. Johnson retired from the Foreign Service in 1923 and returned to Columbus. He died in Houston and his body was returned to Columbus by railroad for burial

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.

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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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Colorado County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and varied history that stretches back to its establishment in 1836 as part of the Republic of Texas. The county was named after the Colorado River, which flows through it. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Karankawa and the Coahuiltecan tribes. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1820s, and by the 1830s, the region had become a hub for Anglo-American colonization.

During the Republic of Texas era, Colorado County saw rapid growth and development. The county seat, Columbus, was established in 1839 and quickly became a major commercial center. The town served as an important stop on the Old San Felipe Road, a major transportation route connecting East and Central Texas. The discovery of oil and gas in the region in the early 20th century further fueled the county's growth and economic prosperity.

Colorado County played an important role during the Civil War. Many residents of German descent who settled in the county were Union sympathizers, while others supported the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Columbus in 1862, when Confederate forces repelled a Union raid. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy and infrastructure.

In the 20th century, Colorado County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The discovery of oil and gas led to the development of a thriving energy industry, and manufacturing and services sectors also grew. Today, Colorado County is a mix of suburban and rural areas, with agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism forming the pillars of its economy. The county continues to preserve its historical sites and celebrate its diverse heritage, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.

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

  • 1821: The area that would become Colorado County, TX is included in Austin's Colony, established by the Mexican government.
  • 1835: The area plays a role in the Texas Revolution as volunteers from Colorado County participate in the Battle of Gonzales.
  • 1837: Colorado County is officially established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838: Columbus is selected as the county seat.
  • 1846: Colorado County is incorporated into the state of Texas as it becomes part of the United States.
  • 1850s: The county experiences rapid growth as more settlers move into the area, establishing farms and ranches.
  • 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many residents of Colorado County actively support the Confederacy.
  • 1870s: The county's economy starts to diversify with the discovery of oil, leading to the establishment of oil wells and refineries.
  • 1935: The Lower Colorado River Authority is established, and dams are constructed in the area for flood control and water supply.
  • 1970s: Colorado County experiences an agricultural decline as farming becomes less profitable.
  • 1997: The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts is opened in Austin, providing a cultural center for the region.