Veterans Buried in the Texas State Cemetery

There are over 1,800 Confederate Veterans and 350 spouses buried in the Texas State Cemetery in Austin.  Most were "inmates", or residents of the Confederate Home in Austin that died while there.  They weren't all from Texas Units.  In fact, Confederate Veterans flocked to Texas after the war seeking new opportunities in what was then still the frontier.  Some of those weren't fortunate enough to strike it rich and ended up living in the Confederate Home.  Most were ordinary soldiers during the war, but one in particular stands out.  Captain Phillip Francis Appell was the Captain of the CSS Bayou City, one of the converted ferries turned into a gunboat armored with bales of cotton, commonly called "Cottonclads".  The Bayou City was one of the two gunboats (the other was the CSS Neptune) that steamed from Morgan's Point in Galveston Bay and attacked the USS Harriet Lane on December 31, 1862 anchored at Galveston and secured a Confederate victory, at what is called the 2nd Battle of Galveston.

Albert Sidney Johnston

General Albert Sidney Johnston*(1803-1862) was one of the most revered Confederate generals during the American Civil War, known for his service in multiple military conflicts, including the Black Hawk War, Texas War of Independence, and the Mexican-American War. Born in Kentucky, Johnston became the highest-ranking Confederate officer to die in combat when he was killed at the Battle of Shiloh in April 1862. His death was a major blow to the Confederate war effort, as he was considered one of the South's most capable military leaders. After the war, his remains were reinterred at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, where a towering monument marks his grave.

Adam Rankin "Stovepipe" Johnson

General Adam Rankin "Stovepipe" Johnson (1834-1922) was a Confederate cavalry officer known for his daring and unconventional tactics during the American Civil War. Born in Kentucky, he earned the nickname "Stovepipe" after capturing the town of Newburgh, Indiana, using a ruse involving stovepipes to mimic cannons. Johnson’s bold raids made him a notable figure in Confederate cavalry operations. Despite being blinded in battle in 1864, he continued to serve the Southern cause. After the war, he became a successful businessman and community leader in Texas. Johnson is buried at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, commemorating his remarkable life and service.

John Austin Wharton

General John Austin Wharton (1828-1865) was a distinguished Confederate cavalry officer from Texas, known for his leadership and battlefield prowess during the American Civil War. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, he moved to Texas at a young age and became a prominent lawyer and politician. Wharton quickly rose through the ranks in the Confederate Army, serving under General John B. Magruder and later commanding cavalry in the Trans-Mississippi Theater. His brilliant tactics earned him recognition as one of the Confederacy’s finest cavalry leaders. Tragically, Wharton was killed in a personal dispute shortly before the war ended. He is buried at the Texas State Cemetery in Austin, where he is remembered for his vital contributions to the Southern war effort.

William Read Scurry

General William Read Scurry (1821-1864) was a Confederate officer known for his decisive leadership in the Western Theater of the American Civil War. Born in Tennessee, Scurry moved to Texas and became an influential figure in the Republic of Texas, serving as a politician and military officer during the Mexican-American War. During the Civil War, Scurry played a key role in the Confederate victory at the Battle of Glorieta Pass and later fought in campaigns across Texas and Louisiana. His leadership and courage earned him a promotion to brigadier general, but his promising career was cut short when he was killed in action at the Battle of Jenkins' Ferry in 1864.

William Polk Hardeman

General William Polk Hardeman (1816-1898) was a Confederate officer and Texas pioneer known for his service during the American Civil War and his contributions to the early Republic of Texas. Born in Tennessee, Hardeman fought in the Texas Revolution and later served in the Mexican-American War. When the Civil War began, he joined the Confederate Army, rising to the rank of brigadier general. Hardeman was known for his leadership in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, particularly in cavalry operations across Texas and Louisiana. After the war, he returned to Texas, where he remained active in public life, leaving a lasting legacy as both a military leader and a Texas statesman.

Benjamin McCulloch

General Benjamin McCulloch (1811-1862) was a prominent Confederate general, frontiersman, and Texas Ranger, renowned for his military service and pioneering spirit. Born in Tennessee, McCulloch moved to Texas, where he played a vital role in the Texas Revolution, fighting alongside Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto. Before the Civil War, McCulloch gained fame as a Texas Ranger and Indian fighter, serving in the Mexican-American War as well. During the Civil War, he commanded Confederate forces in the Trans-Mississippi Theater, earning a reputation for his leadership at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek. McCulloch was killed in action during the Battle of Pea Ridge in 1862, remembered as a fearless soldier and a key figure in Texas and Confederate military history.

Augustus Buchel

General Augustus Buchel (1813-1864) was a German-born Confederate officer who became known for his bravery and leadership during the American Civil War. Born in the Grand Duchy of Hesse, Buchel had a distinguished military career in Europe before immigrating to Texas, where he settled and joined the fight for Texas independence. During the Civil War, Buchel served in the Confederate Army, rising to the rank of brigadier general. He commanded cavalry forces in the Trans-Mississippi Theater and was noted for his exceptional courage. Buchel was mortally wounded while leading a charge at the Battle of Pleasant Hill in 1864, remembered as a fearless leader who gave his life for the Confederate cause.

Xavier DeBray

General Xavier Blanchard Debray (1818-1895) was a French-born Confederate officer who played a significant role in Texas during the American Civil War. Originally from France, Debray moved to the United States and settled in Texas, where he worked as a journalist and served in various military roles. When the Civil War broke out, Debray joined the Confederate Army, leading a cavalry unit known as Debray’s Regiment. He was promoted to brigadier general for his leadership in the defense of Texas, particularly along the Gulf Coast. Known for his strategic acumen and dedication, Debray remained a key figure in Confederate military efforts throughout the war. After the conflict, he continued to serve Texas in various civil capacities.

Edmund Jackson Davis

Brigadier General Edmund Jackson Davis (1827-1883) was a Union general during the American Civil War and a prominent political figure in Texas during Reconstruction. Born in Florida, Davis moved to Texas and became a staunch Unionist. When Texas seceded, he refused to support the Confederacy and fled to the North, where he was commissioned as a brigadier general in the Union Army. He led the 1st Texas Cavalry (Union) and participated in campaigns along the Gulf Coast. After the war, Davis was appointed as the governor of Texas during Reconstruction, where his tenure was marked by efforts to enforce civil rights for freed slaves and restore order to the state. He remained a controversial figure in Texas history due to his Unionist views and Reconstruction policies. Davis is buried in the Texas State Cemetery, reflecting his complex legacy as both a military leader and a political figure.