What Baytown Historical Figure Are You?

You are a poet at heart, just like Peter Sjolander! John Peter Sjolander (pronounced Sholander), Swedish-American farmer-poet was known as the "Sage of Cedar Bayou." Farming for a living, building an occasional boat, rearing a family of six, and writing poetry as the spirit moved, he won many friends and a little money as his work began to appear in publications throughout the country. Sjolander died on June 15, 1939, and was buried at Cedar Bayou. He was a Methodist, a Mason, and a Democrat. In 1968 a historical marker was erected near the old Sjolander home in Baytown, honoring the poet. For more interesting Baytown history, visit www.visitbaytown.com/history

You are a true Republic of Texas President like David G. Burnet! David G. Burnet, speculator, lawyer, and politician, was born on April 14, 1788 and served as interim President of the Republic of Texas in 1836. Burnet was a part of the "Runaway Scrape" and purchased land on Burnet Bay from Nathaniel Lynch. More history on Burnet can be found spread through David G. Burnet Park in Baytown. For more interesting Baytown history, visit www.visitbaytown.com/history

You like making "connections" like Nathaniel Lynch! Nathaniel Lynch was one of Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colonists in Texas and settled in Harris County. He was a farmer and raised livestock but his most noted accomplishment in Baytown was the creation of the Lynchburg Ferry that connected landmasses across the San Jacinto River and was used during the "Runaway Scrape." The Lynchburg Ferry has been in operation continuously since 1888. For more interesting Baytown history, visit www.visitbaytown.com/history

You have a heart for medicine and helping others like Ashbel Smith. Upon arriving in Texas in 1837, Smith quickly became a close acquaintance of Sam Houston and was appointed to the post of surgeon general with the Republic of Texas Army. Even though militarily the Texas Revolution was over, Smith set up an efficient system of medical operations and established the first hospital in the area that would become Houston. Smith purchased Evergreen on Tabbs Bay in Baytown and helped organized the Bayland Guards during the Civil War. For more interesting Baytown history, visit www.visitbaytown.com/history

You are an entrepreneur like Ross S. Sterling! Ross S. Sterling, governor of Texas, and founded of Humble Oil (Exxon), was born near Anahuac, Texas, in February 1875. In addition to the oil industry, Sterling was involved in a railroad company, the former Houston Post newspaper, banking, and real estate in the Houston area. For more interesting Baytown history, visit www.visitbaytown.com/history