HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Alexander Horton Cemetery

San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Pioneer, soldier, civic leader, and state legislator, Alexander Horton (1810-1894) came to Texas in 1824. He served as an aide-de-camp to Gen. Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. This cemetery is situated on property Horton bought in 1837. His home once stood adjacent to the plot. According to family tradition, the first grave here was that of Horton's brother William Wade, a Texas Ranger who died in 1849. Maintained by descendants, the cemetery contains about 20 graves, including those of Horton and other family members.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Alexander Horton came to Texas in 1824 and served as an aide-de-camp to General Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto, the 1836 clash that won Texas its independence. A pioneer, soldier, and state legislator, he bought this land in 1837 and built his home beside what became the family burial ground. By tradition the first grave was that of his brother, a Texas Ranger who died in 1849, and the small plot still holds Horton and his kin.

Why it matters

It preserves the resting place of a member of the founding generation of the Texas Republic, one of the citizen-soldiers who fought at San Jacinto.

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Related people

  • ยท Alexander Horton
  • ยท Sam Houston
  • ยท William Wade Horton

Related events

  • ยท Battle of San Jacinto

Themes & tags

Military & WartimeWestward ExpansionFrontier HistoryMemorial

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