Major James P. Douglas
Tyler, Smith County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Star and Wreath) (1836-1901) School named for Texas Confederate. Born in South Carolina. Came to Texas 1848. Led 50 Tyler men, 1861, to join 50 in Dallas to form Good-Douglas Battery - only Texas artillery serving east of the Mississippi. At Chickamauga, Battery shoved its big guns to edge of Federal rifle pits. Gallantry of Douglas was praised. In 1865 he returned to editing Tyler "Reporter." Became a lawyer. Was in Texas Senate, 1876-80. Joined leadership of Tyler Tap Railway. Was president of Cotton Belt Railroad. Led in Tyler's fruit and vegetable growing, canning industry. Was an organizer and trustee of East Texas University, Tyler. Good-Douglas Texas Battery - marched out of Texas July 9, 1861, after much romantic fanfare in Dallas.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
James P. Douglas came to Texas in 1848 and in 1861 led Tyler and Dallas men to form the Good-Douglas Battery, the only Texas artillery unit to serve east of the Mississippi. Praised for his gallantry at Chickamauga, he returned home to a remarkable civil career as newspaper editor, lawyer, state senator, railroad president, and pioneer of East Texas's fruit and canning industries. A local school bears his name.
Why it matters
Douglas embodies the citizen-soldier turned community builder who shaped East Texas commerce and rail in the decades after the Civil War.
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Related people
- · James P. Douglas
Related events
- · Battle of Chickamauga
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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