The General Edward H. Tarrant Plaque stands proudly on the old Tarrant County Courthouse lawn. It commemorates a man who was a Texan through and through, dedicating his life to serving his new home. General Edward H. Tarrant played a key role in taming the wild frontier and ensuring the safety of early Texan settlers.
Born in 1796 in South Carolina, Tarrant moved to Tennessee where he served in several campaigns against Native American tribes. He even fought alongside Andrew Jackson at the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812. After studying law in Tennessee, he arrived in Texas in 1835, drawn by the promise of a new life in the untamed wilderness.
He quickly became a respected military leader, commanding Texas Ranger Forces on the Northwest Frontier in 1837. A testament to his courage, Tarrant was elected to the Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1838, representing the Red River District. Not only was Tarrant a powerful figure in the state’s military, but also someone who understood the importance of establishing order and justice in the developing region.
His legacy lives on in the name of Tarrant County itself, a county that owes its existence to his courage and dedication. The General Edward H. Tarrant plaque is a constant reminder of the man who helped shape Texas into the state it is today.