General Alexander W. Terrell
Historical marker location:Born Virginia. Came to Texas 1852-Dist. Judge 1857-63. Entered confederate service 1863 as Lt. Col. Commanded Terrell's Texas cavalry. Assigned special duty to try to keep open vital supply sources of cotton-lifeblood of South. Led his unit in Red River campaign 1864 to prevent Union invasion of Texas, being wounded battle Mansfield. Promoted Brigadier General 1865. Went to Mexico rather than surrender at war's end, soon returned to Texas. As state legislator authored present primary election law. Minister to Turkey 1893-97. Outstanding lawyer and public servant.
Texas made an all-out effort for the confederacy after a 3 to 1 popular vote for secession. 90,000 troops, famed for mobility and daring, fought on every battlefront. A 2,000-mile frontier and coastline was successfully defended from union troops and savage Indians. Wagon trains, laden with cotton-life blood of the south-crossed the state to Mexico to trade for medical supplies, clothing, military goods, state and private industry produced wagons, pots, kettles, leather goods, ammunition, guns, salt, hospital supplies. At home old men, women, children, slaves provided grain, meats, cotton, cloth to the army, giving much, keeping little.
A memorial to Texans who served the confederacy erected by the state of Texas 1963
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 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the fertile land and natural resources. The county was officially established in 1905 and named after Alexander Watkins Terrell, a prominent Texas jurist and statesman. The main town, Sanderson, developed as a result of the expansion of the railway in the region, which brought increased economic activity and population growth.
Terrell County's economy has traditionally been based on ranching and agriculture. Cattle ranching, in particular, has played a significant role in the county's history and remains an important industry today. The region's vast grasslands and favorable climate make it ideal for livestock production. Additionally, crops such as cotton, corn, and melons have been cultivated in the county.
While historically a rural and agricultural area, Terrell County has also experienced changes and challenges over the years. The county's population has remained relatively small, with periods of growth and decline. Today, it is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking in areas such as the rugged landscape of the Chinati Mountains and the nearby Big Bend National Park.
Terrell County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Terrell County, Texas.
- 1905 - Terrell County is founded.
- 1907 - Dryden is established as the county seat.
- 1910 - Terrell County's population is recorded at 260.
- 1930s - The area experiences significant growth due to oil and gas exploration.
- 1944 - Construction of the world's largest stone masonry dam, the Pecos River High Bridge, is completed.
- 1960 - Terrell County's population reaches its peak at around 5,000.
- 1987 - The remote and isolated Devil's River State Natural Area is established.
- 2002 - Terrell County experiences a devastating wildfire that burns over 71,000 acres.