Colonel John L. Camp
Pittsburg, Camp County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1828-1891) Came to Texas from Alabama in 1849. Practiced law and taught school in Gilmer. In Civil War, organized and was elected captain of Co. E, 14th Texas Cavalry (dismounted), unit in famed Gen. M. D. Ector's brigade. In thick of fight, in Tennessee and Georgia, was wounded twice, captured twice, was in prison camp at the war's end. Elected to Congress in 1866, was denied his seat because of Confederate service. Served as district judge and state senator. Campaigned for adoption of Constitution of 1876, to end reconstruction in Texas.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John L. Camp came from Alabama to Texas in 1849, practicing law and teaching before the Civil War. He raised and captained a company in the 14th Texas Cavalry, part of Gen. M.D. Ector's hard-fighting brigade, and was wounded and captured twice, ending the war in a prison camp. Elected to Congress in 1866, he was denied his seat over his Confederate service, but went on to serve as district judge and state senator and to champion the 1876 constitution that ended Reconstruction in Texas.
Why it matters
Camp's life traces the arc of the defeated Confederate South — battlefield sacrifice, exclusion from Reconstruction politics, and the fight to reclaim state power under the constitution of 1876.
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Related people
- · John L. Camp
- · Gen. M.D. Ector
Themes & tags
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