W. P. Ballinger Law Firm
Galveston, Galveston County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Oldest continuous law firm in Texas. Founded Nov. 13, 1846, by William Pitt Ballinger (1825-1888), who on that day received first law license issued by state of Texas, through first judicial district court. A veteran of the Mexican war, he later was a distinguished Texas statesman. Ballinger's first partners -- in Jones, Butler & Ballinger -- were John M. Jones and Jonas Butler. Ballinger relatives who have formed line of descendancy in the firm include a son, Thomas J. Ballinger, grandson Ballinger Mills, Sr., and great-grandson Ballinger Mills, Jr. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On November 13, 1846, just months after Texas joined the Union, William Pitt Ballinger received the first law license the new state ever issued and founded the firm that would become the oldest continuous law practice in Texas. A veteran of the Mexican War and later a distinguished statesman, Ballinger built a Galveston practice carried on across four generations of his family. His son, grandson, and great-grandson each took their place in the firm's long line of descent.
Why it matters
The firm's unbroken continuity from Texas statehood to today makes it a living thread of the state's legal and civic history.
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Related people
- · William Pitt Ballinger
- · John M. Jones
- · Jonas Butler
Themes & tags
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