Staggers Point
Benchley, Robertson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Earliest large community in Robertson's colony. Settled by Irishmen who came to America in 1821; lived in South Carolina and then in Alabama; and in 1829 sent west an emissary, Robert Henry, to find a permanent location. In 1833, their ox-wagon train arrived, and log cabins were built. By 1836, kinsmen had joined early arrivals to strengthen settlement. Community name, meaning "Strivers' Point" in dialect, was probably given for rugged zeal of settlers in face of hardships. James Dunn built a fort, to give neighborhood a refuge during Indian raids. In War for Independence, 1835-36, Staggers Point men fought in major actions, including the April 21, 1836, Battle of San Jacinto, which freed Texas from Mexico. In 1830s and 40s, the Irish were compelled to keep up their defenses against the Indians. Women as well as men earned respect for skill with "long guns." In time their village had a church, stores, cotton gin, race track, and taverns, and was invaded by gamblers and ruffians drawn to the races. Until the settlers subdued the lawless, duels and gunplay were common. This remained a progressive community until 1868, when Houston & Texas Central Railway bypassed it, and business waned. Descendants still honor the settlers.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Staggers Point was the earliest large community in Robertson's colony, settled by Irish immigrants who reached America in 1821, moved through the Carolinas and Alabama, and sent an emissary west before their ox-wagon train arrived in 1833. They built log cabins and a fort against Indian raids, and their men fought in the Texas Revolution, including the decisive Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. The village grew a church, stores, a cotton gin, and a race track that drew gamblers, until the railroad bypassed it in 1868 and its fortunes faded.
Why it matters
It preserves the story of Irish immigrant frontier settlers who helped win Texas independence, and shows how a railroad's route could make or break a 19th-century town.
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Related people
- · Robert Henry
- · James Dunn
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto (1836)
Themes & tags
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