Jane Herbert Wilkinson Long facts for kids

Texas historical marker for Jane Long located at Fort Travis Seashore Park, Bolivar Point

Jane Herbert Wilkinson Long (born July 23, 1798 – died December 30, 1880) was an important pioneer in Texas history. She is often called the "Mother of Texas" because of her courage and her early contributions to the region. She owned businesses like boarding houses and also managed a farm in Texas.

Who Was Jane Long?

Her Early Life

Jane Herbert Wilkinson Long was born on July 23, 1798, in Charles County, Maryland. Her uncle was General James Wilkinson, a well-known figure at the time. Around 1811, when Jane was about 13 years old, her family moved from Maryland to Washington, Mississippi. This town was the capital of the Mississippi Territory back then.

Moving to Texas

In 1815, Jane married James Long, a doctor from Virginia. James Long led an expedition in 1819, trying to gain control of Spanish Texas. In 1820, Jane, who was expecting a baby, joined him with 300 troops and other people who had been part of the first expedition. They settled on the Bolivar Peninsula, near what is now Galveston.

Life as a Pioneer Woman

In October 1821, James Long and his troops had to surrender to Spanish forces. He died in April 1822 while imprisoned in Mexico City. Meanwhile, Jane was left at Bolivar Point. On December 21, 1821, she gave birth to her third child, Mary James Long. Jane was helped by Kian, a person who was with her, during these difficult times. They faced a very hard winter, struggling to find food and waiting for news of James.

Jane showed great bravery. At one point, when some Karankawa Indians appeared, she fired a cannon every day. This made them think a large army was stationed there, which helped keep her and her children safe. Jane and Kian hunted, fished, and gathered oysters to survive for weeks. When Jane finally learned of her husband's death in the spring, she left Texas. However, she returned a few years later in the late 1820s as a colonist, ready to build a new life.

Building a New Life in Texas

Stephen F. Austin, a key figure in Texas history, gave Jane land in Fort Bend and Waller counties. Instead of farming all of it, she decided to open a boarding house in San Felipe, Texas. A boarding house was like a hotel where people could rent rooms and get meals. She also sold some of her land in Fort Bend County, and the town of Richmond was later built on that very spot. Jane eventually moved to Richmond herself, where she opened another boarding house and started a farm nearby.

Why She's Called the "Mother of Texas"

Jane Long was known for claiming to be the first woman of English descent to settle in Texas. Her daughter, Mary, was also often said to be the first child born in Texas to an English-speaking mother. While historical records from 1807 to 1826 show there were other Anglo-American births before Mary, Jane's courage and early presence in Texas earned her the nickname "Mother of Texas." Later, another important Texan, Sam Houston, gave the same title to Margaret Theresa Wright in 1857. This was to honor Margaret's strong support for Texas troops during the Texas Revolution.

Jane's sister, Barbara Mackall Wilkinson, married Alexander Calvit, who was a sugar planter.

Her Final Years

Jane Long lived a long and eventful life. She passed away on December 30, 1880, in Fort Bend County, Texas.

Jane Long's Lasting Legacy

Jane Long's contributions to Texas are remembered today. Several schools across Texas are named in her honor, celebrating her role as the "Mother of Texas." These include:

• Jane Long Elementary School in Freeport, part of the Brazosport Independent School District
• Jane Long Elementary School in Richmond, part of the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District
• Jane Long Intermediate School in Bryan, part of the Bryan Independent School District
• Jane Long Middle School in Houston, part of the Houston Independent School District
• Long Early Learning Center in Abilene, part of the Abilene Independent School District
• Jane W Long Elementary in Harlingen, part of the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District
• Jane Long Elementary School in Midland, Texas, part of the Midland Independent School District

A historical marker was also placed in Fort Bend County in 1936 to commemorate her.