Site of Lubbock Ranch Plaque

Francis Lubbock, a name whispered on the Texas wind. Here at the Site of Lubbock Ranch Plaque, we unravel a tale of ambition and camels. Yes, camels. Francis Richard Lubbock, a South Carolinian transplant, arrived in Houston in 1837. He quickly established himself, opening a general store and becoming a prominent figure in business, politics, and civic life. The Site of Lubbock Ranch Plaque commemorates the 1,300-acre ranch he owned nearby. Lubbock’s career trajectory was impressive. He served as clerk of the Republic of Texas House of Representatives in 1837 and comptroller of public accounts from 1837 to 1839. He later became lieutenant governor from 1857 to 1859 and governor from 1861 to 1863, during the tumultuous years of the Civil War. But back to the ranch. The Site of Lubbock Ranch Plaque represents more than just acreage. It’s a glimpse into Lubbock’s personal life. From 1846 to 1861, he and his wife Adele lived here, building a life from the ground up. Their livestock, initially acquired through bartering while Lubbock served as district clerk of Harris County, grew into substantial herds. These herds grazed between the Brazos and Trinity rivers, a testament to Lubbock’s entrepreneurial spirit. Cattle were shipped to New Orleans from Sims Bayou, a vital waterway for the ranch’s success. Now, about those camels. In 1858, forty camels grazed on the Lubbock Ranch. They were destined for the US War Department, intended for desert transportation out west. Imagine the sight of these exotic creatures against the backdrop of the Texas landscape. Lubbock’s life took a dramatic turn with the Civil War. He joined the Confederate army, serving as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Red River campaign. He later joined Jefferson Davis’s staff in Richmond, Virginia. Captured alongside Davis in 1865, he was imprisoned at Fort Delaware for eight months. After the war, Lubbock returned to Texas and served as state treasurer from 1879 to 1891. He continued public service until the age of 80. The Site of Lubbock Ranch Plaque stands as a reminder of his legacy. A man who wore many hats, from shopkeeper to governor to camel rancher.