Site of First Home in Cameron
Cameron, Milam County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Boyhood home of L. S. "Sul" Ross (1838-1898), Texas Governor from 1887 to 1891. His father Shapley P. Ross, Indian agent and Ranger, built house after moving here about 1841; he chose this site because it had a good spring. L. S. Ross, who was a Confederate general, served as president of Texas A & M College after holding office as governor. In 1890 this pavilion was erected to accommodate band concerts, meetings and rallies. It was the scene in 1892 of a landmark debate between two gubernatorial candidates: Gov. James S. Hogg and George Clark.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Around 1841, frontier Ranger and Indian agent Shapley P. Ross built the first home in what became Cameron, choosing the spot for its reliable spring. Here he raised his son Lawrence Sullivan 'Sul' Ross, who would become a Confederate general, Texas governor, and president of Texas A&M. The pavilion later raised on the site hosted picnics, rallies, and an 1892 gubernatorial debate between Governor James Hogg and George Clark.
Why it matters
The site links the raw beginnings of a Texas frontier town to one of the state's most consequential public figures, tracing the arc from Ranger cabin to statehouse.
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Related people
- · Shapley P. Ross
- · Lawrence Sullivan 'Sul' Ross
- · James S. Hogg
- · George Clark
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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Carved from Robertson's colony and the Mexican municipality of Viesca, this land was renamed Milam County in December 1835 to honor Benjamin Rush Milam, killed leading Texian forces at San Antonio. Once a sprawling district, it was whittled down as Burleson, Robertson, Williamson, Bell, McLennan, and Falls counties were cut from it. Cameron has served as the county seat since 1846.
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