HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Site of Camp Independence

Edna, Jackson County, Texas

Marker Inscription

A part of the first army of the Texas Republic, under the command of General Felix Huston, and later of General Albert Sidney Johnston, was stationed here from December, 1836, until furloughed by order of President Sam Houston on May 18, 1837. Captain Henry Teal was assassinated here as he slept in his tent on the night of May 5. Erected by the State of Texas 1936

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

In the anxious months after San Jacinto, part of the fledgling Republic of Texas army camped here from December 1836 until President Sam Houston furloughed the restless troops in May 1837. Commanded first by Felix Huston and then by Albert Sidney Johnston, the encampment reflected the young republic's uneasy standoff with Mexico. Its darkest moment came when Captain Henry Teal was assassinated in his tent one night in May 1837, a killing that still shadows the site's memory.

Why it matters

The camp marks the fragile, improvised early days of the Republic of Texas army, when independence was won on the battlefield but far from secure.

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Related people

  • · Felix Huston
  • · Albert Sidney Johnston
  • · Sam Houston
  • · Henry Teal

Themes & tags

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