The First Republican Governor of Texas

Nicknamed "Colossal Jack" because of his imposing stature and his oratorical skill, A.J. Hamilton was born in Alabama. He migrated to Texas about 1846. A lawyer, he served as acting Attorney General of Texas in 1850. His residence once stood one mile east of here while representing Travis County in the 4th Texas Legislature, 1851-53. He donated land for establishing the State Cemetery.

Elected to the U.S. Congress in 1859, Hamilton took a Unionist stand during the secession crisis along with his friend Sam Houston and others. Because of his convictions, he was forced to flee Texas in 1862, during the Civil War (1861-1865). U.S. President Abraham Lincoln commissioned him a Brigadier General and Military Governor of Texas on Nov. 14, 1862. He had little power until he returned to Texas in Jan. 1865, when federal troops occupied Brownsville. He served as provisional Governor, Jun 17, 1865 - Aug. 9, 1866, during the turmoil of reconstruction. He was a leader at the constitutional convention of 1868-69, and an Associate Justice of the State Supreme Court, 1868-70. Running as a conservative Republican, he lost the Governorship in 1869 to E.J. Davis.

He married Mary Jane (Bowen) (1826-1915) and had 6 children.

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Austin, TX  |  Travis County  |  78701  |  Texas  |  United States of America

The Texas Capitol
Confederate Texas Legislatures
Tyler Rose
The Great Walk Historical
Southern Confederacy Monument, a War Memorial
First Classes of the University of Texas Law School
Site of Temporary Texas State Capitol of 1880's
Texas Highway Department
Old Bakery
General Land Office Building of 1856-57

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.