Stephen F. Austin

Before Texas came lead mines and a failed bank. Born at his father's lead mines in southwestern Virginia, he grew up at Potosi, Missouri, schooled in Connecticut and spent two years at Transylvania University. From 1810 he ran most of the family's lead business, served as adjutant of a militia battalion, and in the Missouri territorial legislature helped charter the Bank of St. Louis. When the Austin business failed he tried Arkansas, where he was sworn in as a circuit judge in July 1820, and by December he was in New Orleans studying law in Joseph H. Hawkins's home.

What the plaque says

Stephen F. Austin, Father of Texas, November 3, 1793-December 27, 1836. He planted the first Anglo-American colony in Texas, "The Old Three Hundred". In his several colonies he settled more than a thousand families. He was from 1823 until 1828 the actual ruler of Texas and thereafter its most influential leader. His own words are a fitting epitaph: "The prosperity of Texas has been the object of my labors -- the idol of my existence -- it has assumed the character of a religion -- for the guidance of my thoughts and actions" -- and he died in its service. No other state in the union owes its existence more completely to one man than Texas does to Austin. Erected by the State of Texas 1936 with funds appropriated by the Federal government to commemorate one hundred years of Texas independence.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Early Roads to San Felipe — steps away
• J. J. Josey General Store — steps away
• Near This Site Stood a Town Hall — steps away
• San Felipe de Austin Cemetery — 0.6 mi