Mother Of Texas Letterbox

Jane Long

Placed By: Silver Eagle
Date: 02/10/03
Nearest Town: Richmond, Tx.
County: Fort Bend
Terrain Difficulty: Easy (flat, 300 yards RT)
Status: retired (03/25/09)

The "Mother Of Texas" is Jane Long, not because she gave birth to the first Anglo child, but because of her independent and determined character while living a long and hard life in Texas. She first came to Texas in 1820 and lived on Bolivar Peninsula for a few years. She then received title to a league of land in Fort Bend County from empresario Stephen F. Austin on August 24, 1824. It wasn't until 1837 that she moved to her league, a portion of which she had sold to Robert E. Handy who developed the town of Richmond, the county seat of Fort Bend County. Folklore and family tradition hold that Jane was courted by Texas' leading men, including Ben Milam, Sam Houston and Mirabeau B. Lamar, but that she refused them all and died a widow on December 30, 1880. Today you can visit the Fort Bend Museum and see the Long-Smith Cottage, her home in Richmond. You can also visit the Morton Cemetery between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, where she is buried and this letterbox resides. On her gravestone is inscribed "Mrs. Jane H. Long, The Mother of Texas."

Directions:

From Houston, take Hwy 59 Southwest about 25 miles to Hwy 99. Go right for about 3 miles to Hwy Alt 90 & turn left toward Richmond for about 5 miles. After crossing the Brazos River upon entering Richmond, turn right on N. 2nd Street and go .3 miles to Commerce Street. Turn left and park outside the Morton Cemetery. Letterbox is only accessible between 8:00-5:00.

Clues:

Walk west on the dirt road under the Morton Cemetery sign for about 25 yards to the first dirt road to the left (south). Go down it for another 25 yards to another dirt road to the right (west). Go down it for about 50 yards to another dirt road to the left (south). Go down it for about 25 yards and look to your right (west). About 20 steps from the road will be the grave of Lamar, and just to its left (south) will be the grave of Jane Long. From her grave, go left (south) toward some trees at the edge of the cemetery about 25 yards away. You will come to a marker for MATLAGE and you should enter the trees about 10 steps to its left still heading south. Go about 25 steps in the trees and look for a tree with a hole about 4 feet high. The box is within under dead branches and moss.

NOTE: Always take adequate precautions (such as prodding with a stick and/or wearing gloves) before reaching into dark crevasses and holes in the wild. Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

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Last updated on 03/25/2009

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