Colonel B. F. Terry and Terry's Texas Rangers

Before the war Terry was a Brazos planter and railroad builder. Born in Russellville, Kentucky, on February 18, 1821, he managed his family's Brazoria County plantation from 1841, and with William J. Kyle won the 1851 contract for the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado, the first railroad in Texas, built with enslaved labor. His regiment's call at Houston in August 1861 drew 1,170 men, each to bring his own shotgun or carbine, Colt revolver and Bowie knife. At the end, 158 of the regiment's reported 248 survivors slipped through Union lines rather than surrender.

What the plaque says

Colonel B. F. Terry and Terry's Texas Rangers Native of Kentucky. Came to Texas 1831. Member Secession Convention. Commanded reinforcements of state troops sent to Rio Grande for the capture of Federal arms, property at Fort Brown. Went to Virginia hoping to be in first battle of war. Cited for valuable volunteer service in first Battle of Manassas. Returned to Texas with orders to raise cavalry regiment which soon attained fame as Terry's Rangers. Accepted his commission only when men elected him Colonel. Killed Woodsonville, Kentucky leading unit's first charge. His loyal Rangers carried his name until war's end. Buried Glenwood Cemetery, Houston. Terry's Texas Rangers - Ten companies of the "Kid Glove" gentry of Texas enlisted for the duration of the Civil War, forming the famed Terry's Texas Rangers. With their able leaders, this 8th Texas Cavalry Regiment joined Johnston's command in Kentucky. History finds it easy to call these Texas men fighters. They were excellent horsemen, marksmen, utterly reckless. Individual heroism was not uncommon. Their deeds were praised at Shiloh, Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Bragg's Raid into Kentucky and their last charge at Bentonville, N.C. Called upon to cover retreats, to invade enemy lines to get information, harass the enemy and to lead charges. (1963)

Where it stands

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