Staggers Point

Earliest large community in Robertson's colony. Settled by Irishmen who came to America in 1821; lived in South Carolina and then in Alabama; and in 1829 sent west an emissary, Robert Henry, to find a permanent location. In 1833, their ox-wagon train arrived, and log cabins were built. By 1836, kinsmen had joined early arrivals to strengthen settlement. Community name, meaning "Strivers' Point" in dialect, was probably given for rugged zeal of settlers in face of hardships. James Dunn built a fort, to give neighborhood a refuge during Indian raids. In War for Independence, 1835-36, Staggers Point men fought in major actions, including the April 21, 1836, Battle of San Jacinto, which freed Texas from Mexico. In 1830s and 40s, the Irish were compelled to keep up their defenses against the Indians. Women as well as men earned respect for skill with "long guns." In time their village had a church, stores, cotton gin, race track, and taverns, and was invaded by gamblers and ruffians drawn to the races. Until the settlers subdued the lawless, duels and gunplay were common. This remained a progressive community until 1868, when Houston & Texas Central Railway bypassed it, and business waned. Descendants still honor the settlers.

Staggers Point is a historical marker in Benchley, Robertson County, dedicated in 1973. It is one of 63 historical markers documented in Robertson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 103 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.7581, -96.4493 near Benchley. The nearest cataloged historic site is El Camino Real (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Henry-Peyton Cemetery, Wilson Chapel Cemetery, and Galloway.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5395010948. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.