HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

John Pettit Borden

Weimar, Colorado County, Texas

Marker Inscription

(December 30, 1812 - November 12, 1890) Born in New York. Moved to Texas 1829. Settled in Stephen F. Austin's second colony in 1832. In Texas Revolution, fought at Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Helped lay out town of Houston same year. At 24 became first Commissioner of Texas General Land Office. Later practiced law and served as county judge. He was a surveyor before moving, in 1866, to Harvey's Creek (4 mi. E). Married twice. Had 9 children by second wife Mary (Hatch).

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Born in New York in 1812, John Pettit Borden came to Texas in 1829 and settled in Stephen F. Austin's colony, then fought at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836 during the revolution that won Texas its independence. That same year he helped lay out the new town of Houston, and at just 24 became the first Commissioner of the Texas General Land Office. He later practiced law, served as a county judge, and settled near Harvey's Creek in 1866.

Why it matters

His career runs through the founding acts of the Texas Republic — its revolution, its new capital, and the office that governed its vast public lands.

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Related people

  • · John Pettit Borden

Related events

  • · Battle of San Jacinto (1836)

Themes & tags

Westward ExpansionMilitary & WartimeFrontier HistoryLandmark

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