Historical Marker

City of Richmond

Marker installed: 1969
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Area was settled in 1822 by members of Stephen F. Austin's colony, who first called their community "Fort Settlement." Earliest known burial was made by Wm. Morton, who donated land for Morton Cemetery. Town was formally laid out 1837 by land promoters R. E. Handy and Wm. Lusk, who named it for Richmond, Virginia. City was elected county seat in 1838.

Most famous resident was Mrs. Jane Long, "Mother of Texas," who ran Veranda Hotel and established a plantation here in 1837. She is buried in Morton Cemetery. Also in 1837 famous scout Erastus "Deaf" Smith died here and was buried in the city.

County purchased first courthouse in 1842; built a brick on in 1849. In 1855 an extension of the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos & Colorado Railroad (the first railroad in Texas) brought increased prosperity.

Vigorous saloon fighter Carry Nation operated the National Hotel here prior to moving to Kansas.

Her departure was connected with the "Jaybird-Woodpecker" political feud, which climaxed in a shootout around the Courthouse Square in 1889.

Another noted Richmond citizen, John M. Moore, led way in raising quality of range cattle. Service in Legislature, 1896-1905, and U. S. Congress, 1905-1913

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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Fort Bend County, Texas has a rich and significant history that spans several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with the region becoming a part of Stephen F. Austin's colony. The county was officially established in 1837 and named after a blockhouse fort built along the Brazos River.

One pivotal event in the county's history was the arrival of sugar cane cultivation in the 1840s. Immigrants from Germany and other European countries brought their expertise in sugar production and established large sugar plantations in Fort Bend County. The growth of the sugar industry substantially impacted the county's economy and led to the arrival of enslaved African Americans, who provided labor on these plantations.

During the American Civil War, Fort Bend County remained primarily loyal to the Confederate cause. Many residents joined Confederate units and fought in several battles, such as the Battle of Palmito Ranch and the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Following the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and worked towards diversifying its agricultural production.

The 20th century brought further transformations, with the discovery of oil and gas in the county. The newfound oil industry spurred economic growth and development, as well as population growth. Fort Bend County also played a vital role in the civil rights movement, with several significant milestones, including the integration of public schools in 1963. Today, Fort Bend County is a thriving and diverse community, known for its rich history, strong economy, and cultural diversity.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Fort Bend County, Texas.

  • 1822: Stephen F. Austin grants land to his secretary, Samuel M. Williams, who establishes the Fort Bend settlement near present-day Richmond, Texas
  • 1824: Mexico establishes Fort Bend County as part of Austin's Colony
  • 1837: Fort Bend becomes an official county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1841: The new county courthouse is built in Richmond
  • 1856: Sugar production becomes a major industry in Fort Bend County
  • 1861: Fort Bend County residents support secession and the Confederacy during the Civil War
  • 1900: The first rail line, known as the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, arrives in Fort Bend County
  • 1920: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county
  • 1941: Sugar Land Regional Airport opens to support military training during World War II
  • 1959: The town of Stafford is incorporated
  • 1990: Fort Bend County's population exceeds 200,000