Details for General Ashbel Smith, C.S.A.

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5093002123

Data

Marker Number 2123
Atlas Number 5093002123
Marker Title General Ashbel Smith, C.S.A.
Index Entry Smith, Ashbel, C.S.A. General
Address 101 W. Central Ave.
City Comanche
County Comanche
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 537369
UTM Northing 3529148
Subject Codes educational topics; Texas Revolution, Republic of Texas; state official; Civil War; Mexican War; cowboys; military topics
Marker Year 1965
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location Comanche County Courthouse grounds, southwest corner facing W. Central Ave. (US 377)
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text (1805-1886) Born in Connecticut. Graduated at 19 from Yale. Studied medicine in France, where friends were Revolutionary War hero Lafayette and inventor Samuel F. B. Morse. As a North Carolina doctor he later took interest in politics and government. Came to Texas 1837. Was made Surgeon-General of army. As headright (settler's land bounty) and pay for army service, obtained in 1839 Comanche County tract on South Leon River, near this site. Was sent to England and France, 1842, as Texas charge d'affaires. In cabinet of President Anson Jones, was last Secretary of State of Republic of Texas. Served in U.S. Army in Mexican War. As member of Texas Legislature, 1855-1857, worked in behalf of schools and railroads. Won Civil War citations for bravery. Commanded 2nd Texas Infantry. Built defenses and helped to save Texas coast from Federal invasion. In 1865, at the end of the war, served as one of commissioners empowered to negotiate peace terms for Texas. Was elected to Legislature in 1865 and in 1877. Serving as first chairman of Board of Regents of University of Texas, set ideals of scholarship. (1965)

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