Welcome to the Erastus (Deaf) Smith Historical Marker in Richmond, Texas! As we stand here before this historical marker, lets take a moment to explore the fascinating history behind the man it honors.

Erastus Deaf Smith was a frontier scout and spy during the Texas Revolution. Born in New York in 1802, he moved to Texas in the early 1830s, where he earned his nickname due to his partial hearing loss from an illness. Despite this disability, Deaf Smith proved himself to be a skilled tracker and fearless soldier, often venturing into enemy territory to gather vital information for the Texan army.

One of the most notable moments in Smiths career occurred on April 21, 1836, during the Battle of San Jacinto. He was tasked with leading a small group of volunteers to destroy Vinces Bridge, cutting off the retreat route for Mexican forces. His heroic actions contributed significantly to the decisive victory at San Jacinto, securing Texas independence from Mexico.

The Erastus (Deaf) Smith Historical Marker stands as a testament to this brave mans life and his significant contributions to the history of Texas. As we continue our tour, let your imagination take you back to that time when Deaf Smiths bravery helped shape the course of Texas history.