Site of The Home of Robert McAlpin Williamson
Wharton, Wharton County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Georgia in 1806, editor "The Texas Gazette" and "The Mexican Citizen," pioneer Texas newspapers. Active in the revolution, member of the Supreme Court of the Republic, 1836-1839. Member of Texas Legislature 1846-1849, died December 22, 1859.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Georgia in 1806, Robert McAlpin Williamson edited some of Texas's pioneer newspapers, The Texas Gazette and The Mexican Citizen, before throwing himself into the fight for Texas independence. He went on to serve on the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas from 1836 to 1839 and later in the state legislature. His home once stood on this Wharton site.
Why it matters
Figures like Williamson helped build the institutions — a free press, courts, and legislature — that turned the young Republic of Texas into a functioning state.
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Related people
- · Robert McAlpin Williamson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
The Judge Robert McAlpin Williamson Home
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This marker commemorates the home of Judge Robert McAlpin Williamson, the famed Republic of Texas jurist and patriot known as 'Three-Legged Willie' for the wooden leg he wore from a childhood illness. A firebrand of the Texas Revolution who became one of the young republic's first district judges, Williamson left a lasting legal legacy in early Texas. The house was moved to this site in 1976.
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