David Choate Jr.
Historical marker location:David Choate Jr. was born in Louisiana in 1811. He moved with his family to Texas and later joined a group of Beaumont volunteers and fought in the Battle of San Jacinto on April 21, 1836. Choate received bounty for 320 acres of land for serving in the army and 640 acres of donation land for fighting in the Battle of San Jacinto. These lands were surveyed on the north side of Pine Island Bayou, where in 1856 he founded Concord, originally part of Jefferson County. It had a well-known ferry crossing that connected Beaumont to Points North. Choate and his wife, Mary (Coon), contacted the Orange County surveyor to lay out the town in 1858. Hardin County was created in 1858, carved out of Jefferson, Liberty and Tyler counties. The town of Hardin was created as the county seat in 1859. It was located on the Concord to Woodville road.
Concord became the southern shipping point for steamboat traffic on the Neches River, bringing farm products and lumber from Hardin, Tyler and Jasper Counties into Beaumont. At its peak, concord had 300 residents. Concord and the town of Hardin thrived from steamboat traffic and shipping. With the completion of the railroads from Beaumont to Rockland, the town of Concord passed into history as steamboats were no longer needed. Concord was abandoned in 1880 but had served its purpose as a steamboat stop. David Choate Jr. died in Concord in 1879 and was buried in Leatherwood Cemetery, located on the David Choate survey. His widow died in 1909 and is also buried in the cemetery
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.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
During the early 19th century, the region was part of Mexico. However, after Texas became an independent republic in 1836, Hardin County was officially established in 1858 and named after the leader of the Battle of New Orleans, William Hardin.
The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most important events in Hardin County's history was the discovery of oil in 1902, leading to an economic boom. Oil wells were drilled, refineries were established, and the local economy flourished.
Hardin County also played a role in World War II, as the area was home to Camp Hardin, a military training camp. The county's population surged during this time, as soldiers and their families moved into the area.
Today, Hardin County continues to be an important part of Texas' history and economy. It offers a mix of rural and suburban areas, with agriculture and oil production remaining vital industries. The county is proud of its heritage, with several historical landmarks and museums, preserving its past for future generations.
Hardin County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hardin County, Texas.