What Role Did Texas Play In The Civil War Essay

Texas played a major role in the Civil War. Fort Bend County holds a prominent place in Texas history. Although most of the major battles did not take place in Fort Bend, the affects of the war were still prominent. Texas residents provided their full measure of courage and devotion to the cause. This is something that all future generations of Texans should be proud of.

According to the Historical Research Center, Texas Heritage Museum, Fort Bend County was developed along the Brazos River and was settled in 1820’s as a part of Austin’s colony. Fort Bend’s population was 2,016 white residents and 4127 slaves by 1860. It was the second most prosperous county in Texas behind Harris County.

A revolution began in Texas in 1835 after tension grew

Benjamin Franklin Terry was elected in 1861 Fort Bend County voted unanimously in favor of secession. While no Civil War battles were fought in Fort Bend County, this area did feel its impact. The majority of capable Fort Bend County men went off to war from 1861-1865 after the county voted to secede from the Union. The most prominent group of Fort Bend County soldiers was a group led by Benjamin Franklin “Frank” Terry. Terry owned the Oakland Plantation and turned it into one of the largest sugar plantations in Texas with his partner William Kyle. Terry’s Rangers wore whatever they has available to them as they did not have any uniforms. They often carried shotguns, rifles, revolvers and bowie knives (Blackburn 1919, 38-67).

When the war came to an end, there was a lot of sorrow. Residents of Fort Bend mourned its soldiers that died. The county began working on improving its economy. Most of the men that took part in the war died in battle or were severely wounded. They were all brave soldiers and their efforts will be forever

People did not have enough money and could not afford payments for schooling along with taxing. As a result, schools had to be shut down. Due to the decline in economy, getting schools running again was a major issue. Children stayed at home.

As men had left to fight the war, women got together from all counties including Fort Bend to take on the men’s work in addition to their own. Many ran stores and post offices while others worked in huge plantations. Some women became teachers or provided medical aid. They would often sew clothes for soldiers, cook food for them and make bandages. Certain camps were set up for those soldiers. Such a place was Berwick’s Hotel in Richmond.

However, not all women stayed back while the men were out to fight. About 250 women took part in war. They joined the Confederate army. Some were from Fort Bend County, others from Harris County and other cities in Texas. To look more like men they chopped off their hair, wore false mustaches and padded their