Site of Fort Johnson
Pottsboro, Grayson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established by William G. Cooke in 1840 as a part of the defense of the Military Road from Red River to Austin. Named in honor of Colonel Francis W. Johnson (1799-1888). Commander of the Texas army at the capture of San Antonio, December 10, 1835. Place of rendezvous for the Snively Expedition which set out April 25, 1843. The settlement in the vicinity was known as Georgetown.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
William G. Cooke established Fort Johnson in 1840 to help guard the Republic of Texas's Military Road running from the Red River to Austin. Named for Colonel Francis W. Johnson, who had commanded Texas forces at the 1835 capture of San Antonio, it became the rendezvous point for the 1843 Snively Expedition. The surrounding settlement was known as Georgetown.
Why it matters
The fort marks how the young Republic of Texas tried to secure its frontier with a chain of posts and roads, projecting authority across a contested borderland.
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Related people
- · William G. Cooke
- · Francis W. Johnson
Related events
- · Snively Expedition
- · Capture of San Antonio
Themes & tags
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