Mercer's Colony Eastern Boundary
Fruitvale, Van Zandt County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1844 Charles Fenton Mercer led an effort to colonize an area in north central Texas equal to portions of 18 current Texas counties. His contract to settle 500 families in five years was complicated by various legal issues, but land certificates were ultimately issued to the settlers. Mercer severed all connections with the grant in 1852. This marks the east line of the colony whose boundaries were approximately Palestine and Waco on the south, the Brazos River on the west, and the McKinney area on the north. Descendants of Mercer's colony settlers still reside in Texas. (1997) Incise on base: Researched by Nelda Jones
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1844 Charles Fenton Mercer secured a contract to settle 500 families across a vast tract of north-central Texas spanning parts of eighteen present-day counties. Legal tangles complicated the venture and Mercer withdrew in 1852, but land certificates were issued and settlers put down roots; this marker fixes the eastern edge of that ambitious colony.
Why it matters
Mercer's colony reflects the empresario land-grant system through which the Republic and early state of Texas recruited settlers to fill and hold its frontier.
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Related people
- · Charles Fenton Mercer
- · Nelda Jones
Themes & tags
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