William Barnett Hardin
Moscow, Polk County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Republic of Texas Soldier (April 20, 1806 - July 28, 1885). Born in Tennessee. Came to Texas in 1826; established plantation near Moscow as first permanent white settler in the area. Was first lieutenant in Texas War for Independence. Wounded in Battle of San Antonio, Dec. 1835. For service, received a 640-acre Republic of Texas land grant signed by President Sam Houston. Moved to new plantation near Livingston in 1855. Farmed and helped survey first county roads.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Tennessee in 1806, William Barnett Hardin came to Texas in 1826 and carved out a plantation near Moscow as the area's first permanent Anglo settler. When the fight for Texas independence came, he served as a first lieutenant and was wounded at the Battle of San Antonio in December 1835, earning a 640-acre land grant signed by President Sam Houston. He later helped survey the region's first county roads, literally laying the lines of the community he had helped begin.
Why it matters
Hardin embodies the settler-soldier generation whose farms and fighting turned the Mexican province of Texas into an independent republic and, eventually, an American state.
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Related people
- · William Barnett Hardin
- · Sam Houston
Related events
- · Battle of San Antonio
Themes & tags
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