Hugh B. Johnston

Johnston's land title took longer than his politics. He led families to Texas in 1825 with his father-in-law and claimed a league on the Trinity's east bank. He petitioned for title in 1827, the same year he served as captain of a company that helped put down the Fredonian Rebellion, and Mexico recognized the title four years later. The Handbook of Texas records that he escaped an apparent assassination attempt by Bradburn's cronies in 1832 and that by 1840 he held more than 4,000 acres and six enslaved people.

What the plaque says

Hugh B. Johnston First alcalde of Liberty municipality, 1831. Delegate to the Consultation, 1835; member of Congress, 1838-1839. Born in Tennessee; died in 1850.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center — 9.3 mi
  A state archives and museum north of Liberty with an exhibit on Southeast Texas history and a campus of historic buildings, including an 1848 house and an 1898 church.
• Big Thicket National Preserve — 26 mi
  Start at the Kountze visitor center, where rangers sort the preserve's scattered units for you, and learn why Congress made this 1974 string of pearls the country's first national preserve.

More markers nearby

• Batson Prairie School & Church and Guedry Cemetery — 8.6 mi
• William Hardin — 9.9 mi
• Augustine B. Hardin — 9.9 mi
• Benjamin W. Hardin — 9.9 mi