Book Description

Elizabeth Powell, a widow with four children, entered Texas from Louisiana in November 1828 as a colonist of Stephen F. Austin. On March 21, 1831, she received one league of land from the Mexican government. This was the first grant in Austin's second colony in current Fort Bend County. Madame Powell's place was a convenient resting point about mid-way between San Felipe in present day Austin County and Columbia in present day Brazoria County. Travelers could stop at her place for a good meal and spend the night before continuing their journey the following day. General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna and his Mexican army also found the Powell property a convenient place to rest after traveling south from San Felipe. After the battle of San Jacinto and the subsequent capture of Santa Anna on the following day, April 22, 1836, a council of war was convened at Mrs. Powell's place on April 25th by Mexican generals who decided not to pursue the war, and the Mexican Army began its orderly withdrawal to Bexar. Archeological investigations undertaken by the Houston Archeological Society have resulted in this 3rd part of a three volume report. Biographical information and a historical summary on Mrs. Powell and her homestead can be found in Parts 1 and 2. This part, Part 3, is the final report to be published documenting the research and investigations undertaken at the Elizabeth Powell site.