Andrew Jackson Hamilton in Austin, Texas
historical marker
Andrew Jackson Hamilton, born January 28, 1815, was a significant figure in Texas history. He moved to Texas in late 1846, settling in Austin after initially practicing law in La Grange. Hamilton began his political career in 1849, serving as acting attorney general. He also represented Travis County in the state House of Representatives from 1851 to 1853. In 1859, he was elected to the U.S. Congress. During the Civil War, Hamilton took a Unionist stance and was forced to leave Texas in 1862. President Abraham Lincoln appointed him Military Governor of Texas in 1862. Following the war, President Andrew Johnson named him Provisional Governor of Texas on June 17, 1865. He served in this role until August 9, 1866, managing the state's Reconstruction efforts. Hamilton later served as an associate justice on the Texas Supreme Court from 1867 to 1869. He died in Austin on April 11, 1875. This historical marker, located in Austin, Travis County, Texas, was erected in 1994 by the Texas Historical Commission to commemorate Andrew Jackson Hamilton's contributions to the state during a critical period.