Site of Crosby's Landing
Freeport, Brazoria County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Thomas Phillip Crosby (1799-1860) came to Texas from New York in 1830. After surveying sections of land along the Colorado River in 1830, he settled on this tract along the Brazos River with an eye toward building a landing for lower Brazos River plantation owners. He knew that a site on the water itself was crucial to the success of the business venture he had in mind. Wounded in the Battle of Velasco (1832), Thomas returned home to establish his docks, shipping and receiving goods for local landowners from such places as Galveston and New Orleans. Mary Austin Holley referred to Crosby's Landing in an 1835 journal entry written during the first of her three visits to Texas. When Stephen F. Austin died in 1836 his body was carried by the steamboat Yellowstone to Crosby's Landing and delivered to his brother-in-law's Peach Point Plantation for burial. Though he already was providing postal service, Crosby's post office was officially approved by the Republic of Texas government in 1836. Also on the landing site were a general store and, by virtue of the post office location, a voting precinct and tax collection place. Thomas Phillip Crosby was elected sheriff of Brazoria County in 1860, but died before taking office. After his death, Crosby's son and grandson in turn served as postmaster. Among those served by Crosby's Landing were Peach Point Plantation, the Jack Plantation, and the Abner Jackson Plantation. The Crosby family also operated one of four ferries that crossed the Brazos in Brazoria County, connecting plantations on both sides of the river. Although most of the 1,000 acres owned by Thomas Phillip Crosby were sold over the years, the Crosby's Landing site remained in the Crosby family at the turn of the 21st century. (2000)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Thomas Phillip Crosby came from New York in 1830 and built a landing on the Brazos to serve the lower river's plantations, understanding that access to water was the key to commerce. Wounded at the 1832 Battle of Velasco, he returned to run docks, a store, a post office, a ferry, and even a voting precinct. When Stephen F. Austin died in 1836, the steamboat Yellowstone carried his body to Crosby's Landing on its way to burial at Peach Point Plantation.
Why it matters
Crosby's Landing was a vital artery of the plantation economy of early Texas and the solemn waypoint for the body of Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas."
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Related people
- · Thomas Phillip Crosby
- · Stephen F. Austin
- · Mary Austin Holley
Related events
- · Battle of Velasco
- · Death of Stephen F. Austin
Themes & tags
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