Capt. Jasper N. Daniel
Historical marker location:(Oct. 16, 1830 - Aug. 4, 1901) A Georgia native who migrated to Austin County, Texas, in 1853, Jasper N. Daniel was elected to the State Legislature in 1859. During the Civil War (1862-65), he was a captain in the Confederate army. In 1884 Daniel moved with his family to Cotulla. He served as justice of the peace and, from 1892 to 1898, as La Salle County Judge, helping bring order during this area's lawless frontier days.
He married Edith Elizabeth Manly (1845-1918) and had 16 children
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 University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
In the early 19th century, the area that is now La Salle County became a part of the Republic of Texas after the Texas Revolution. It was named after René-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle, a French explorer who had ventured through the region in the 1680s. The county was officially established in 1858, and its first county seat was Old Frio City.
The discovery of oil in the mid-20th century brought significant changes to La Salle County. The influx of oil workers and the establishment of oil fields led to a boom in the local economy and population. With the growth of the oil industry, the county seat was moved from Cotulla to Encinal in 1881, and then back to Cotulla in 1892, where it remains today.
Over the years, La Salle County has also played a significant role in the ranching industry, with large cattle ranches dominating the landscape. Today, the county is known for its oil and gas production, as well as its agricultural activities. Despite the modernization and changes, La Salle County's history and heritage are still celebrated, and its past is evident in its cultural landmarks and traditions.
La Salle County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of La Salle County, Texas.
- 1689 - French explorer, Henri Joutel, discovers La Salle County.
- 18th century - Spanish colonization of the area begins.
- 1821 - The area becomes a part of the Mexican Empire after gaining independence from Spain.
- 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico.
- 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and La Salle County becomes a part of the United States.
- 1858 - La Salle County is officially established.
- 1883 - The first railroad reaches La Salle County, leading to growth and development.
- 1900s - The discovery of oil and gas resources boosts the county's economy.
- 1920s - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy.
- 1960s - The establishment of the Eagle Ford Shale formation leads to increased oil and gas production.
- Present - La Salle County continues to be a hub for oil and gas exploration and production.