Fort Teran, Site of
Chester, Tyler County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Site of Fort Teran, first white settlement in Tyler County. Established by the Mexican government in 1830 to prevent further Anglo-American colonization in Texas. Commanded in 1831 by Peter Ellis Bean. Named in honor of General Manuel Mier Y Teran, commander of the Mexican force in Texas. Abandoned by Mexican troops in 1835.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1830 the Mexican government planted Fort Terán on the Neches to halt the tide of Anglo-American colonists pouring into Texas—the first white settlement in what became Tyler County. Named for General Manuel Mier y Terán, commander of Mexican forces in Texas, it was led in 1831 by the colorful Peter Ellis Bean. The garrison's mission reflected Mexico City's growing alarm at Anglo immigration, but the effort proved futile, and troops abandoned the post in 1835 on the eve of the Texas Revolution. Only the marked site remains.
Why it matters
Fort Terán marks Mexico's last-ditch attempt to control Anglo settlement in Texas, a policy whose failure helped ignite the revolution that made Texas independent.
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Related people
- · Peter Ellis Bean
- · Manuel Mier y Terán
Themes & tags
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