Robert Starke Armistead
Brenham, Washington County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(November 5, 1800 - June 14, 1866) Robert Starke Armistead and his wife Ann came to Texas from Alabama in 1835. He served in the Republic of Texas army in 1836 and with forces defending San Antonio during the Vasquez Invasion in 1842. When Baylor University was created in 1845, he was a charter trustee. Settling near this site, the Armisteads operated a large agricultural enterprise and in 1863 adopted a daughter, Sallie. This family graveyard was begun upon Robert's death in 1866. Recorded - 1990
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Robert Starke Armistead and his wife Ann came to Texas from Alabama in 1835, and he served in the Republic of Texas army in 1836 and again defending San Antonio during the Vasquez Invasion of 1842. A charter trustee when Baylor University was founded in 1845, he built a large farm near this site, where the family graveyard began at his death in 1866.
Why it matters
Armistead's life spans the founding years of the Republic of Texas — from its army to the chartering of Baylor University — linking military service and early education in the new republic.
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Related people
- · Robert Starke Armistead
Related events
- · Vasquez Invasion
- · Founding of Baylor University
Themes & tags
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Robert Starke Armistead
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Born in North Carolina in 1800, Robert Starke Armistead brought his family to Texas in 1835 on the eve of revolution, served in the Republic's army in 1836, and helped defend San Antonio during the 1842 Vasquez raid. A charter trustee of Baylor University in 1845, he built a large farming enterprise in Washington County, where he and his wife are buried nearby.
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