[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E512]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FT. SHERMAN TOWNSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 23, 2013

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to celebrate the establishment of Ft. 
Sherman Township, a community of about 200 people, and to applaud the 
efforts of Titus County Historical Preservation Society, Titus County 
Historical Commission, Bob Sandlin State Park, and Texas Parks and 
Wildlife Department in working together to protect and preserve the 
location and rich history of Ft. Sherman.
   Established in 1838, Ft. Sherman was the first community in 
southwest Titus County. It was built by Captain William Stout and 
members of the Red River Mounted Rangers, who are now considered to be 
Early Texas Rangers. Ft. Sherman was named in honor of Colonel Sidney 
Sherman, the Commander of the Left Wing of the Republic of Texas Army 
at the Battle of San Jacinto. Ft. Sherman's namesake famously 
originated the Battle Cry, ``Remember the Alamo!''
   The Fort served many purposes during its early years, functioning as 
a refuge for families against Indian attacks and a resting place for 
early Texas Ranger units from 1838-1841, a voting place for several 
elections between 1842 and 1846, and a military waypoint during the War 
with Mexico in 1846.
   Today, I am pleased to join the Titus County Historical Preservation 
Society and Titus County Historical Commission in honoring the early 
Texas families and military units for their self-reliance, 
independence, and role in Ft. Sherman's history. Yesterday, these 
organizations' efforts to have the Titus Commissioners Court approve a 
resolution were rewarded, and Saturday, June 8, 2013 has been declared 
``Fort Sherman Day.''
   I join my constituents of Titus County in celebrating Historic Ft. 
Sherman and its founding nearly 175 years ago, and I ask my colleagues 
to join me in celebrating Titus County's historical preservation 
efforts of Ft. Sherman.

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