Col. Edward Bradford Pickett Plaque

On a crisp Texas morning, stand before the Col. Edward Bradford Pickett Plaque. It commemorates a man who wasn’t born in Texas, but who adopted it as his own and left an indelible mark on its history. Col. Edward Bradford Pickett, a Virginian by birth, found himself drawn to the Lone Star State as a young man. He fought bravely in the Mexican-American War and decided to make Texas his permanent home. The Plaque doesn’t just tell the story of a soldier but of a statesman. After the Civil War, Pickett served in the Texas Senate and even presided over the 1875 Texas Constitutional Convention. Imagine the weight of responsibility on his shoulders as he helped shape the very document that still governs Texas today. But perhaps his most enduring legacy, one that continues to benefit Texans to this day, is his role in the establishment of Texas A&M University. As a state senator, Pickett championed the cause of education. He understood the power of knowledge and its importance in shaping the future. Thanks to his tireless efforts, Texas A&M University opened its doors in 1876, a testament to Pickett’s vision and dedication. As you stand before this modest plaque, remember that it represents not just a life lived, but a life that helped shape the destiny of Texas.