OurBaytown.com - Baytown's Historical Resource

The Bayland Guards Historical Marker project
Dr. Ashbel Smith organized volunteers for Confederate forces
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WATCH THE DEDICATION SLIDESHOW

Video compliments of Larry Houston

In 2008 Trevia Wooster Beverly contacted OurBaytown.com about securing funding for the placing of another Historical Marker at the Bayland Island Park boat ramp area to raise awareness for the Bayland Guards, formed by the Dr. Ashbel Smith in 1861.   OurBaytown.com contacted Plant Manager Darrell Bailey and asked if Total Petrochemicals, as a community service project, would fund the marker and Mr. Bailey readily agreed and was also in attendance for the ceremony.  Here is Ms. Beverly's extensive application as submitted.

 

On April 27, 1861 a Harris County group from Baytown, Cedar Bayou, and Barbers Hill in western Chambers County to become known as the Bayland Guards, was organized by 50-year-old Dr. Ashbel Smith, who trained and outfitted the men at his Evergreen Plantation. Despite a shortage of weapons, Smith held regular drills and worked in local defense of Galveston Bay.

Bayland Guards to be honored article in the Baytown Sun by Wanda Orton
Bayland Guards Dedication plans by Baytown Bert's Blog
Dedication Day by Baytown Bert's Blog
Bayland Guards Program in .pdf format
Bayland Guards article in the Baytown Sun by Mark Fleming

OurBaytown.com would like to acknowledge and thank Trevia Wooster Beverly - Harris County Historical Commission ,
Darrell Bailey - Total Petrochemicals Inc., Wybra Holland, Larry Houston, Bob Wright, John Britt, Bay Area Dulcimer & Strings Society, the Baytown Historical Preservation Assoc.,  Stephen DonCarlos, Scott Johnson, Tracy Dillard, the attending descendants of the Bayland Guards, and the Bayland Honor Guard for their efforts to get this project completed.

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