Homesite of Gov. Oscar Branch Colquitt
Terrell, Kaufman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1861-1940) (This block is the former homesite of) Twenty-fourth Governor of Texas (1911-1915). Known as "The Napoleon of Texas Politics" and "Little Oscar" because of his short stature, Colquitt was a strong and independent chief executive. His stump speeches were among the most effective of his times. A descendant of American Revolution and Civil War fighters, Colquitt was born in Georgia. He worked as a tenant farmer and newspaperman before serving as a Texas Senator. He was railroad commissioner, 1903-1911, and his efforts in office for Galveston gained him the title "Daddy of the Causeway". In his second race for the office, he was elected Governor on an anti-Prohibition ticket. His legal residence was in Terrell during both terms and he had owned the Terrell "Times-Star" in the 1890s. While in office, Colquitt achieved prison reforms. (He campaigned with a bullwhip in hand to publicize prison brutality.) He helped preserve the Alamo as a Texas shrine. Homes for the insane and retarded were improved under him, and he also spearheaded advancements in education and backed labor bills. In 1885 he had married Alice F. Murrell, by whom he had five children. After 1915 he entered private business and worked as a U.S. government official.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Oscar Branch Colquitt rose from tenant farmer and newspaperman to become the twenty-fourth governor of Texas (1911–1915), nicknamed "Little Oscar" and "the Napoleon of Texas Politics." As railroad commissioner he earned the title "Daddy of the Causeway" for his work on behalf of Galveston, and as governor he pushed prison reform, improved state institutions, and helped preserve the Alamo. This Terrell block was his legal residence during both terms.
Why it matters
Colquitt's career reflects Progressive-era Texas, when reform-minded governors reshaped prisons, infrastructure, and public institutions.
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Related people
- · Oscar Branch Colquitt
Themes & tags
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