Standing before this plaque, you’ll find yourself transported back to a time when a remarkable man named Walter Moses Burton etched his name onto the history books. Here, in the heart of Texas, we pay tribute to the first African American sheriff in the United States, a pioneer whose legacy endures, although his story may not be as widely known.
Imagine a world in which slavery was a harsh reality. Walter Burton was born into that world, a brutal reality that marked every aspect of his early life. He was brought to Texas as a slave, and his owner, a plantation owner by the name of Thomas Burke Burton, taught him to read and write. This act of kindness, uncommon for the time, was vital for Walter’s future.
After emancipation, Walter Burton purchased land from his former owner becoming one of the wealthiest African Americans in Fort Bend County. He used his wealth and influence to further the cause of Black Americans in Texas, and in 1869, Walter was elected sheriff and tax collector in Fort Bend County. He achieved a remarkable feat that year, a moment etched in history, one that would forever change the landscape of law enforcement – he became the first Black sheriff in the US.
He served four terms in the Texas state senate from 1874 to 1883. He was a strong advocate for Black education and believed in the power of knowledge. He championed the cause of sensible gun control and fought against the state’s convict leasing system. Walter Moses Burton was more than just a sheriff or a senator; he was a voice for his people.
This plaque is a beacon of remembrance, a testament to a man who defied the odds, broke barriers, and left an enduring mark in the history of Texas and the nation. It stands testament to Walter Moses Burton’s achievements as a symbol of perseverance, a beacon of hope, and a reminder of the enduring impact that one person can have in shaping the world.