HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Dr. George Washington Barnett

Gonzales, Gonzales County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Born in South Carolina December 12, 1793, killed by Indians October 8, 1848. Served in the army of Texas, 1835-36 signed the Texas declaration of independence, '36 member of the senate of the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh congresses of the republic.

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Born in South Carolina in 1793, Dr. George Washington Barnett served in the army of Texas during the 1835–36 revolution and signed the Texas Declaration of Independence in 1836. He then represented his district through six congresses of the Republic of Texas as a senator. His life ended violently in 1848 when he was killed by Indians on the Texas frontier.

Why it matters

Founders like Barnett gave the short-lived Republic of Texas its political shape, and their frontier deaths underscore how contested the region remained even after independence.

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Related people

  • · George Washington Barnett

Themes & tags

Westward ExpansionNative American HistoryFrontier HistoryMemorial

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