General Alexander W. Terrell

Terrell's best-known law had a purpose the marker does not mention. In the legislature he consistently called for the disfranchisement of African Americans, and in 1879 he introduced a bill making a poll tax a requirement for voting. It became law in 1903 with the Terrell Election Laws, which required nomination by primary and let parties restrict membership to White voters, opening the way to the White primary. Earlier, as a judge and a friend of the Unionist Sam Houston, he had taken no part in secession, and after the war he briefly commanded a battalion for Emperor Maximilian.

What the plaque says

General Alexander W. Terrell 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.

Where it stands

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