Montgomery-Thatcher Cemetery
Garwood, Colorado County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This burial ground served the relatives of pioneer settlers James S. Montgomery (1788-1864), a veteran of the War of 1812, and George W. Thatcher (1808-1867). Their families fled the area during the "Runaway Scrape," an evacuation caused by the advancing Mexican forces following the 1836 fall of the Alamo. Returning here after the Texas Revolution, both men became successful planters. Montgomery later represented the county in the Republic of Texas Congress, 1843-44. The first burial at this site was probably that of his son James (1834-36). (1981) Historic Texas Cemetery
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This family burial ground served pioneer planters James S. Montgomery, a veteran of the War of 1812, and George W. Thatcher, whose households fled the advancing Mexican army in the panicked 1836 flight known as the "Runaway Scrape." Returning after the Texas Revolution, both men prospered as planters, and Montgomery went on to represent the county in the Congress of the Republic of Texas. The earliest grave here is likely that of Montgomery's young son, who died in 1836.
Why it matters
It ties one Texas family plot directly to the founding drama of the Republic — the flight from Santa Anna's army and the new nation's first government — that reshaped the map of North America.
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Related people
- · James S. Montgomery
- · George W. Thatcher
Related events
- · Runaway Scrape
- · Texas Revolution
Themes & tags
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