Tom Green, Confederate General
San Angelo, Tom Green County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Star and Wreath) Led 5th Texas Cavalry, Battle Val Verde in Arizona-New Mexico Campaign, 1861-1862. Commanded "cotton clad" carrying Cavalrymen dubbed "Horse Marines" in recapture Galvston, January 1863. Made brigadier general while leading Green's Cavalry division 1863 campaign to save Louisiana. Killed 1864 leading attack at Blair's Landing, Louisiana in Red River Campaign to prevent the Federal invasion of Texas. An ardent Texan, a brave leader, he constantly sought the heat of battle. A memorial to Texas who served the Confederacy. This county was named in honor of Tom Green, 1814-1864. Came to Texas from Tennessee, 1833. Veteran Battle of San Jacinto 1836 manning famed "Twin Sisters" cannons. Fayette County representative 4th Congress. Secretary of Senate, 6th and 8th congresses. Clerk of Supreme Court, 1841-1861. Participated frontier Indian campaigns. Member Somervell Expedition. Officer in Mexican War. Confederate general in the Civil War.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Thomas Green came to Texas from Tennessee in 1833 and fought at San Jacinto in 1836, helping man the celebrated "Twin Sisters" cannons that won Texas independence. He built a long public career as a court clerk and legislator, served in frontier Indian campaigns and the Mexican War, then rose to prominence as a Confederate cavalry commander. Leading the 5th Texas Cavalry and later his own division, he fought at Val Verde and in the campaigns to hold Louisiana before he was killed in 1864 at Blair's Landing during the Red River Campaign. The West Texas county where this marker stands bears his name.
Why it matters
His life traces the whole arc of nineteenth-century Texas—from the revolution through statehood, the U.S.-Mexico war, and the Confederacy—showing how one generation's soldiers shaped the region again and again.
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Related people
- · Thomas Green
Related events
- · Battle of San Jacinto (1836)
- · Battle of Val Verde
- · Red River Campaign
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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