(October 4, 1761 - June 10, 1821)

The initiator of Anglo-American settlement in Texas. Moses Austin was a native of Durham, Connecticut. After his marriage to Mary Brown in 1785, Austin became a leading figure in the development of the American lead industry. His business took him to Virginia and then west to the Mississippi Valley. A colonizer and pioneer as well, Austin helped establish several frontier communities.

Moses Austin' decision to venture into a colonization enterprise in the Spanish territory of Texas led him to San Antonio de Bexar in 1820. With the help of Felipe Neri, Baron de Bastrop, Austin requested permission from the Spanish Governor, Antonio Martinez, to settle a colony of 300 Anglo-American families in his province. Austin returned to Missouri, where he learned in March 1821 that his petition had been granted. Although ill from the effects of his journey, he began making plans to raise a colony. Three months later, Moses Austin died in Hazel Run settlement, where he was buried. He was later reinterred in Potosi, Missouri.

In response to his father's dying wish, Stephen F. Austin continued the colonization project and led the first of the "Old 300" colonists into Texas in late 1821.

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

Site of Swedish Evangelical Free Church
Scottish Rite Temple
Gethsemane Church
Carrington-Covert House
Scholz Garten
State Bar of Texas
Statue of Liberty Replica
Swedish Central Methodist Church
St. Martin's Evangelical Lutheran Church
Wahrenberger House

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

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