Bruce B. Williams American Legion Post No. 1
Commerce, Hunt County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The first American Legion Post in Texas was established at Commerce in 1919, the same year the veterans organization was begun nationally. Inspired by the funeral of Private Albert A. Barrow, who had served in World War I, Dr. W. B. DeJernett directed formation of a local veterans group. The first meeting was held in a building at Washington and Alamo streets (2 blks. W). Chartered on July 1, 1919 and named in honor of Bruce B. Williams, the first Commerce serviceman to die in World War I, the post has been a prominent leader at the state and national levels. (1982)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The first American Legion post in Texas was chartered at Commerce in 1919, the very year the veterans' organization was founded nationally. Moved to act by the funeral of a local soldier who had served in the First World War, a town doctor led the effort, and the post was named for the first Commerce man to die in that war. It went on to prominence at the state and national levels.
Why it matters
As Texas's first Legion post, it marks the grassroots beginning of a veterans' movement that would shape American civic life through the twentieth century.
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Related people
- · Bruce B. Williams
- · Albert A. Barrow
- · W. B. DeJernett
Themes & tags
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