George Wilkins Kendall
Boerne, Kendall County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(August 22, 1809 - October 21, 1867) A native of New Hampshire, George Wilkins Kendall was a journalist by profession. He was co-founder of the New Orleans "Picayune" newspaper in 1837. Kendall later wrote books chronicling his experiences with the 1841 Texan Santa Fe Expedition and the Mexican War. He moved to this area in 1857 and became a sheep rancher. His promotional efforts led to growth and development of the county, which was named for him in 1862. Recorded - 1989
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A New Hampshire native and journalist by trade, George Wilkins Kendall co-founded the New Orleans Picayune in 1837 and won fame writing vivid accounts of the 1841 Texan Santa Fe Expedition and the Mexican War—work that helped pioneer American war correspondence. In 1857 he settled in the Texas Hill Country and turned sheep rancher, promoting the region so energetically that the county was named for him in 1862. He lived out his days here until his death in 1867.
Why it matters
Kendall bridged two American frontiers—the frontier of the printed word as an early war reporter and the literal frontier of Texas ranching he helped promote and settle.
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Related people
- · George Wilkins Kendall
Related events
- · Texan Santa Fe Expedition
- · Mexican War
Themes & tags
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