Shelby County

Shelby County grew quickly under the Republic and the state. The Handbook of Texas counts 3,318 residents in 1847, of whom 763 were enslaved people, about 23 percent. By 1860 there were 5,362 residents, including 1,476 enslaved people, about 28 percent. In February 1861 county voters approved secession, 333 to 28, and one county source estimates that as many as 750 men served in Confederate or state units. Union forces never occupied the county. Under Mexico its most important town was Nashville, founded in 1824, and John Latham is reputed to have settled first, in 1818.

What the plaque says

Shelby County Part of the neutral ground, 1803–1819. Settled by Anglo-Americans, 1824–1836. In 1833 a district of the Municipality of Nacogdoches, known as Tenehaw. In 1835 became municipality of Tenehaw with Nashville as the seat of government. Name changed to Shelby in 1836 in honor of Isaac Shelby, 1750–1826, a gallant officer in the Continental Army Revolutionary War. Created a county March 17, 1836. Organized in 1837 with county seat at Shelbyville. Moved to Center in 1866. In Memory Of William English, Frederick Poye, George Butler, John M. Bradley, Jonas Harrison, delegates to the First Convention of Texas, 1832, from the District of Tenehaw. Martin Parmer delegate to the Consultation from the Municipality of Tenehaw. Sydney O. Bennington, William O. Crawford, signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence from Shelby Municipality. The soldiers from Shelby County who fought at San Jacinto and elsewhere for and in defense of the Republic of Texas. In this county was waged the Regulator-Moderator Feud, 1841–1844. During this time the warring factions fought several drawn battles, entailing loss of life and property. Troops of the Republic of Texas commanded by General James Smith finally restored order

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• C. S. A. Texas Muster — steps away
• John Joseph Emmett Gibson — steps away
• Milton Irish — 3.0 mi
• The First Battle — 3.8 mi