Elizabeth Powell (colonist) facts for kids

Elizabeth Powell was an important woman in early Texas history. She was one of the first people to receive a large piece of land from the Mexican government. This land was about 4,428 acres, which is called a "league." Her land was located in what is now Powell Point, in Fort Bend County, Texas. It was near the San Bernard River. Elizabeth ran a guesthouse and bar, which was a popular stop for travelers. There were not many places like it in early Texas.

A Witness to History

Elizabeth Powell's guesthouse became a part of history. Santa Anna's troops camped there. This happened both before and after the famous Battle of San Jacinto. Elizabeth did not leave during the "Runaway Scrape," when many Texans fled from the Mexican army. She was there on April 10, 1836. She also saw General Urrea's army arrive on April 20. Soldiers wrote about these events in their journals.

On April 24, Elizabeth had to house the Mexican generals. They were planning their army's retreat. Then, on April 26, the soldiers set fire to her house and other buildings. This happened as the army left. Her home marks the farthest west Santa Anna's troops ever went. Today, there is a historical marker at this spot. The state of Texas put it there in 1936. However, it is on private property.

Her Family

Elizabeth Powell and her family played a role in early Texas. They were connected to many other important Texas families. One local historian even suggested that the song, "The Yellow Rose of Texas," was written for her. But there is no proof to support this idea.

• Her son, Samuel Graves Powell, was a famous steamboat captain. He operated his ship, the Betty Powell, on the Brazos River. The ship was named for his wife, Elizabeth Sheppard.
• Her daughter, Julia Powell, married Charles Doane. He was a well-known police official in early San Francisco.
• Her daughter, Elizabeth, married Isaac McGary. He fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. Isaac's granddaughter, from his second marriage, helped to start the University of Texas at Austin.