Historical Marker

Birthplace of Governor Dan Moody

Historical marker location:
100 blk. of 9th St., at Moody Museum, Taylor, Texas
( 100 block of 9th St., in front of Moody Museum, Taylor)
Marker size: 27" x 42"

A crusader for integrity in public office. Born in Taylor, Williamson County; son of Daniel and Nancy Elizabeth Robertson Moody. At 16 entered University of Texas, where he completed law school. After World War I service, won election to the office of county attorney, then an appointment by Governor Pat Neff to District Attorney, Travis and Williamson counties.

Won statewide notice for prosecutions of Ku Klux Klansmen in notorious flogging cases, and was urged by friends to run for Attorney General of Texas.

He won this office, and served 1925-1927 in an era of alleged corruption. Moving to halt kickbacks on highway contracts, he recovered for Texas hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 1926 ran for governor on his record as Attorney General, and was elected.

Inaugurated when he was 33, he was youngest man ever to take oath for that office. During his terms, 1927-1931, Texans' faith in their state government was restored. Great reforms were made in the State Highway Department and state penitentiary system.

After retirement from the governor's office, he practiced law, and was appointed by the President of the United States to prosecute tax evader.

He married Mildred Paxton; they had two children

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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Williamson County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache. These tribes thrived on the abundant natural resources and utilized the land for hunting and gathering.

The region was first settled by European pioneers in the mid-19th century. The establishment of Fort Tumlinson in 1839 provided protection to settlers, and the population grew steadily with the arrival of more immigrants in search of new opportunities. In 1848, the county was officially organized and named after Robert McAlpin Williamson, a judge and soldier in the Republic of Texas.

During the Civil War, Williamson County faced significant challenges. Many residents joined the Confederate Army, and the county became a hotbed of conflict due to its location on the frontier between Union and Confederate territories. After the war, the area was able to rebuild and experienced a period of economic growth, driven by agriculture, cattle ranching, and the emergence of small towns and rural communities.

In the 20th century, Williamson County continued to develop and adapt to changing times. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought economic prosperity to the region, and the county experienced a boom in population and infrastructure. Today, Williamson County is a thriving part of the greater Austin metropolitan area, known for its strong economy, vibrant communities, and commitment to preserving its historical roots.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Williamson County, Texas.

  • 1804 - The area that is now Williamson County is settled by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico.
  • 1838 - The Texas legislature establishes Williamson County, named after Robert McAlpin Williamson, a leader in the fight for Texas independence.
  • 1848 - The Mexican-American War ends and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, officially establishing the Rio Grande as the boundary between Texas and Mexico.
  • 1850 - The population of the county reaches 1,027.
  • 1876 - The Texas State Capitol building is completed in Austin, which becomes the seat of government for Williamson County.
  • 1881 - The International-Great Northern Railroad reaches Georgetown, bringing economic growth and development to the county.
  • 1907 - The county courthouse, located in Georgetown, is completed.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits Williamson County, causing a decline in the local economy.
  • 1950s - The county experiences a period of growth and prosperity, with the population increasing significantly.
  • 1990s - Development and suburbanization accelerate in Williamson County, with the county becoming one of the fastest-growing areas in the United States.