Kempner
Kempner, Lampasas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded in 1882. Named for Texas philanthropist, banker, railroad magnate Harris Kempner (1837-1894). An immigrant from Poland, Kempner joined Parson's Brigade, Confederate Army. Wounded in Red River Campaign, he was left on the battlefield for dead, but recovered and served to the war's end then he helped to rebuild Texas. (1964)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1882, this town honors Harris Kempner, a Polish immigrant who became a Texas banker, railroad magnate, and philanthropist. After arriving in America he joined Parson's Brigade in the Confederate Army and was wounded in the Red River Campaign, left for dead on the battlefield before recovering to serve out the war. He went on to help rebuild Texas in the decades that followed.
Why it matters
Kempner's journey from immigrant to Confederate soldier to postwar business builder reflects how newcomers helped reconstruct and finance a shattered Texas economy.
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Related people
- · Harris Kempner
Related events
- · Red River Campaign
Themes & tags
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