George Rounds
West Columbia, Brazoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1805 - 1855) New Yorker George Rounds served in Col. James W. Fannin's regiment in the Texas War for Independence but escaped the Goliad Massacre. He settled in Columbia, where he operated a tavern. Just before his death, he drew up a will devising his estate to "educating poor and orphan children" in the community. Discoveries of oil and gas on the Rounds property during the 1930s increased the value of the fund. Rounds' philanthropy continues to aid local students today. Recorded - 1976
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
New Yorker George Rounds fought in Colonel James W. Fannin's regiment during the Texas War for Independence and survived the Goliad Massacre that claimed most of his comrades. Settling in Columbia, he ran a tavern and, shortly before his death, left his estate to educate poor and orphaned children. When oil and gas were found on his land in the 1930s, the fund's value soared, and his bequest still aids local students.
Why it matters
Rounds links the sacrifice of the Texas Revolution to a philanthropy that, enriched by later oil wealth, has quietly educated generations of Texas children.
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Related people
- · George Rounds
- · James W. Fannin
Related events
- · Goliad Massacre
- · Texas War for Independence
Themes & tags
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