HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Andrew Jackson McGown

Crockett, Houston County, Texas

Marker Inscription

(1816 -- 1870) Tennessee native Andrew Jackson McGown came to Texas in 1835 to fight with the Texas Army in the war for independence from Mexico. A participant in the Battle of San Jacinto, he later helped establish the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Texas, serving as a pioneer circuit rider until his death. McGown founded "The Texas Presbyterian" and helped establish Andrew Female College in Huntsville. A royal arch mason, he also served as Grand Chaplain of Forest Lodge No. 19.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

A Tennessee native, Andrew Jackson McGown came to Texas in 1835 and fought in the revolution against Mexico, taking part in the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. He went on to help plant the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Texas, serving as a pioneer circuit-riding minister until his death. McGown also founded the newspaper "The Texas Presbyterian" and helped establish Andrew Female College in Huntsville.

Why it matters

McGown's life links the fight for Texas independence to the frontier institutions—churches, presses, and schools—that gave the new republic a settled society.

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Related people

  • · Andrew Jackson McGown

Related events

  • · Battle of San Jacinto

Themes & tags

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