More Half-Mile of History Stones

TYLER — The City of Tyler hosted a ceremony Thursday at Gallery Main Street to unveil two new Half Mile of History stones in Downtown Tyler. The stones are part of the Half-Mile of History heritage trail and honor Governors James S. Hogg and Oran M. Roberts. The information below is from the Handbook of Texas website.

James Stephen Hogg, the first native governor of Texas, spent a significant part of his career in Tyler. Hogg did much as governor to strengthen public respect for law enforcement, defended the Texas claim to Greer County, and championed five major pieces of legislation. The “Hogg Laws” included (1) the law establishing the Railroad Commission; (2) the railroad stock and bond law cutting down on watered stock; (3) the law forcing land corporations to sell off their holdings in 15 years; (4) the Alien Land Law, which checked further grants to foreign corporations in an effort to get the land into the hands of citizen settlers; and (5) the act restricting the amount of indebtedness by bond issues that county and municipal groups could legally undertake.

Oran M. Roberts, was born in Laurens District, South Carolina, on July 9, 1815. In 1878 he was elected governor of Texas on a platform of post-Reconstruction fiscal reform. His two gubernatorial terms were marked by a reduction in state expenditures. During his life, Roberts practiced law in Tyler and brought note to Tyler and the county by serving as governor. He was also part of the powerful “Tyler Gang” composed of Roberts, along with Tyler’s two other governors and other influential individuals. Roberts also served as president of the Texas Secession Convention and Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court, and became a noted historian. Though much of his work occurred in Austin, his impact was felt in Tyler and Smith County. A local school, Oran Roberts Junior High (now closed) was named after him. You can go to http://www.cityoftyler.org for more information on Hogg and Roberts.

The stated goal of the Half Mile of History is “to pay tribute to people, places and events that have contributed to the rich history of Tyler and Smith County.” The Half Mile of History is a permanent, outdoor, half-mile loop that surrounds the square in the heart of downtown Tyler. Stone plaques are placed in the sidewalk along the Half Mile of History to commemorate significant people, places or events.