William S. Dedmon
Historical marker location:Served in the Army of Texas, 1836. Born February 22, 1817; died July 1, 1887
1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Texas becomes a part of the Mexican territory.
1824: The Mexican government establishes a constitution, known as the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.
1826: The Fredonian Rebellion occurs when Haden Edwards, an empresario (land agent), declares the independence of the Republic of Fredonia in East Texas. The rebellion is quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.
1830: The Mexican government passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes several restrictions on American immigration to Texas and increases Mexican control over the region. This leads to growing tensions between Mexican authorities and the Anglo-American settlers.
1832: The Battle of Velasco takes place between Texian settlers and Mexican forces near the town of Velasco. The Texians win the battle, which marks one of the early armed conflicts in the region.
1835: The Texas Revolution officially begins with the Battle of Gonzales. Texian rebels refuse to surrender a cannon, and Mexican troops are sent to retrieve it. However, the Texians successfully defend the cannon, which has a flag with the words "Come and Take It" painted on it.
October 1835: Texian forces capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad, marking a significant victory for the revolutionaries.
November 1835: The Consultation, a provisional government, is established by the Texian rebels. They declare loyalty to Mexico while seeking a restoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and the removal of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.
December 1835: Texian rebels, under the command of Ben Milam, capture San Antonio de Béxar after a 13-day siege. Mexican forces under General Martín Perfecto de Cos surrender, giving the Texians control of the city.
March 1836: The Texian garrison at the Alamo, in San Antonio, is besieged by a large Mexican force under General Santa Anna. The battle lasts for 13 days, and despite fierce resistance, the defenders are overwhelmed, and all are killed.
March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted at the Convention of 1836, held at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Texas declares itself as an independent republic.
March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre takes place when General Santa Anna orders the execution of around 350 Texian prisoners of war at Goliad.
April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto occurs near the present-day city of Houston. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian army defeats the Mexican forces, capturing Santa Anna himself. The battle lasts only 18 minutes and is a decisive victory for the Texians.
May 14, 1836: The Treaties of Velasco are signed, officially ending the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna, as a prisoner, signs the treaties recognizing Texas as an independent republic and agreeing to withdraw Mexican troops from the region.
October 22, 1836: Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.
This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the Texas Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous smaller engagements and political developments throughout the conflict.
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 pioneer settlers of Gillespie County were mostly of German descent, seeking a new life and economic opportunities. They developed a thriving agricultural community, growing crops like cotton, corn, and wheat. The early settlers also established successful farms and ranches, making Gillespie County one of the leading agricultural regions in Texas.
During the Civil War, Gillespie County experienced some conflict and tensions due to the differing loyalties of its residents. However, after the war, the county experienced a period of growth and prosperity as the railroad reached Fredericksburg, the county seat, in 1913. This opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to economic development and population growth.
In recent years, Gillespie County has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich history, charming small towns, and beautiful natural surroundings. Today, the county is known for its wineries, historic sites, and festivals that celebrate its German heritage. It continues to thrive as a center of agriculture, tourism, and cultural preservation in the heart of the Texas Hill Country.
Gillespie County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Gillespie County, Texas.
- 1848 - Gillespie County is established and named after Robert Addison Gillespie
- 1849 - The county seat is established in Fredericksburg
- 1850s - German immigrants begin settling in the area, shaping the county's culture and economy
- 1861-1865 - Gillespie County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1880s - The county experiences growth with the arrival of the railroad and expansion of agriculture
- 1900s - Gillespie County faces challenges such as the 1900 storm and the Great Depression
- 1940s - Fort Mason is established as a training center during World War II
- 1970s - Tourism becomes an important industry, boosting the county's economy
- 1990s - Fredericksburg becomes a popular tourist destination with its historic downtown and wineries