Khleber Miller Van Zandt
Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1836-1930) Tennessee native Khleber Miller Van Zandt moved to east Texas as a child. After serving as a major in the 7th Texas Infantry Regiment, C.S.A., he came to Fort Worth in 1865. A merchant, banker, and rancher, he was instrumental in making the city a major rail center and helped establish an early newspaper, the public schools, public transportation, and the First Christian Church. He served in the 13th Texas Legislature and the Constitutional Convention of 1875. A member of the United Confederate Veterans, he held the office of national commander-in-chief (1918-1921). Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Tennessee-born major in the 7th Texas Infantry, Khleber Miller Van Zandt came to Fort Worth in 1865 and threw himself into building the frontier town. As merchant, banker, and rancher he helped make the city a rail hub and had a hand in founding its newspaper, public schools, streetcars, and First Christian Church. He served in the state legislature and the 1875 Constitutional Convention, and late in life led the United Confederate Veterans nationally.
Why it matters
Van Zandt's long career shows how Confederate veterans reshaped the postwar West, channeling their energy into the civic and commercial institutions that turned Fort Worth into a major American city.
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Related people
- · Khleber Miller Van Zandt
Related events
- · Constitutional Convention of 1875
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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