Bedrock of Texas

Now On View

In 1820, Moses Austin was an American businessman whose family fortunes were in jeopardy. Needing a new venture, he saw opportunity in Spanish Texas, which was at that time, largely unsettled. 

Austin’s untimely death in 1821, left his oldest son, Stephen, to carry out his plan.  The younger Austin worked tirelessly to bring his father’s vision to fruition. Stephen F. Austin’s monumental achievements over the next 15 years laid the foundation for the settlement of Texas and the creation of the independent Republic of Texas

The prosperity of Texas has been the object of my labors, the idol of my existence—it has assumed the character of a religion, for the guidance of my thoughts and actions, for fifteen years. Stephen F. Austin, July 1836

Emily Austin Bryan Perry was Stephen F. Austin’s sister and sole heir. Her sons, always aware of their uncle’s place in history and their responsibility to continue the work he started, made significant contributions of their own. They served Texas through several conflicts, cultivated land, participated in government, contributed to its prosperity, and became the patriarchs of subsequent generations of Bryans and Perrys.

This family’s story is the story of Texas.

Some family memorabilia on display include a wedding dress worn by a great-granddaughter of Emily Austin Perry in 1936, monogrammed silver cups belonging to Guy Bryan (1821-1901) and his wife, and a silver tea service belonging to Hally Ballinger Bryan Perry (1868-1955), daughter of Guy Bryan and the co-founder of the Daughters of the Texas Republic. An engaging interactive display tells the story of the Bryan/Perry plantations.