James A. McFaddin Home
Victoria, Victoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built 1890 of Florida pine and cypress; typical Victorian style. Home of James A. McFaddin (1840-1916), loyal citizen of Texas Republic and pioneer stockman. He married Margaret Virginia Coward in 1861 and served as an officer in the Confederate Army in the Civil War. Moved from Refugio to Victoria County 1876. Here he introduced barbed wire and Brahma cattle; Also founded town of Mariana (now McFaddin). His brand "M6", registered 1840, is still active. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On the coastal prairies of Victoria County stands this 1890 Victorian home of Florida pine and cypress, built for James A. McFaddin (1840–1916), a stockman whose life spanned the Republic of Texas, Confederate service, and the great cattle era that followed. Moving from Refugio in 1876, he was among the ranchers who reshaped Texas grazing by bringing in barbed wire and hardy Brahma cattle, and even founded the town that bears his name. His "M6" brand, registered in 1840, remained active long after him.
Why it matters
McFaddin embodies the transformation of open-range Texas into fenced, improved ranchland—an agricultural revolution that helped make cattle central to the state's identity.
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Related people
- · James A. McFaddin
- · Margaret Virginia Coward
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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