Gonzales

Gonzales County, TX

Status: Not Located

Year Established: Unknown

Council of Governments: GCRPC

Public History: William H. Stewart and his brother, James A. Stewart, purchased thousands of acres during the 1840s. Both men were born and raised in Dorchester County, MD. William moved to Gonzales to oversee the development of their lands, bringing enslaved people with him. James sent scores of enslaved people during the 1850s to Gonzales while he stayed in Maryland. One of the women, Harriet Ann, was Harriet Tubman’s great niece. Most of the enslaved people transported by the Stewarts were known to and/or related to Harriet Tubman’s family (the Ross family.) The Stewart’s insured through an insurance agent the enslaved people they sent to Texas, and those names are accessible at the Maryland State Archives. Tax records show William and James, and William is listed in the 1850 and 1860 US Census slave schedules.

Community History: There are no current community descriptions of Gonzales. Please consider sharing your own knowledge of the community with us.