Birthplace of Governor Ross Shaw Sterling
Anahuac, Chambers County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1875-1949) Governor of Texas 1931-33, during critical years of the Depression. Born and reared on family farm here. As a youth hoeing these fields, learned to stay ahead by taking "3 or 4 licks" while others took 2. followed this vigorous philosophy throughout life. In 1898 he married Maud Abbie Gage; had 5 children. In 1910 bought 2 wells which he developed into the Humble Oil & Refining Company in 1917. Then entered real estate development in Houston, 1925: bought the Houston "Dispatch" and "Post," forerunners of present Houston "Post." As head of Texas Highway Commission, 1927-30, achieved great reforms in roads programs. His term as governor saw forceful handling of crises of the times. He called a special session of the Legislature to deal with over-production in agriculture. Also put teeth into measures to control oil production by placing 4 counties under martial law following violations of conservation rules. When he returned to private life, his fortune had been lost. Undaunted, he launched the Sterling Oil & Refining Company and eventually was head of other major businesses. Philanthropies included gift of his La Porte estate as a boys' home, founding of boys' camp and donations to Texas Christian University.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Ross Shaw Sterling rose from a Chambers County farm boy to one of Texas's great oil-and-industry figures, building two wells into the Humble Oil & Refining Company and later shaping Houston through real estate and the newspaper that became the Houston Post. As governor from 1931 to 1933 he steered the state through the depths of the Great Depression, pushing agricultural relief and famously placing oil counties under martial law to enforce production limits. He lost his fortune, then rebuilt it, dying in 1949 as head of new enterprises and a noted philanthropist.
Why it matters
Sterling embodies the wildcatting, boom-and-bust energy of early 20th-century Texas, when oil transformed the state's economy and thrust its businessmen into national politics.
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Related people
- · Ross Shaw Sterling
- · Maud Abbie Gage
Related events
- · Great Depression
Themes & tags
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