Site of Post West Bernard Station
Hungerford, Wharton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In the summer of 1837 Post West Bernard Station was established as an ordnance depot of the army of The Republic of Texas. Its location on the West Bernard River was strategic in protecting Houston, then capital of Texas, from possible invasion by Mexico. Cannons, rifles, muskets, powder, and shot were stored at the station. Troops under Lt. H. L. Grush and later Capt. Martin K. Snell maintained the post despite harsh living conditions. In 1838-39 this station transferred its inventory of ordnance to the newly completed Houston Arsenal.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the summer of 1837 the young Republic of Texas established Post West Bernard Station as an ordnance depot, stockpiling cannons, rifles, muskets, powder, and shot. Sited on the West Bernard River, it helped shield Houston — then the capital — against the threat of a Mexican invasion. Officers like Lt. H. L. Grush and Capt. Martin K. Snell held the post under harsh conditions until 1838–39, when its arms were transferred to the new Houston Arsenal.
Why it matters
The station shows how the fragile Republic of Texas improvised a frontier defense system in its earliest years, guarding a capital and a hard-won independence it feared Mexico would try to undo.
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Related people
- · H. L. Grush
- · Martin K. Snell
Themes & tags
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