Beason's (Beeson's) Crossing

Benjamin Beason, one of Stephen F. Austin's original 300 colonists, settled by a widely used Colorado River Crossing near here in 1822. He and his wife, Elizabeth proceeded in build a large home, ( also used as an inn) and establish a gristmill, sawmill, gin, and ferry operation at the crossing. His residence and business operations and a scattering of homesteads in the area formed a settlement know as Beason's Crossing.

In the early spring of 1836 Beason found his home, family and complex of commercial buildings in the perilous position in between San Houston's army, camped on the east bank of the Colorado River opposite Beason's crossing, and a Mexican Army led by General Juaquin Ramirez Y Sesma fast approaching from the west. Houston had chosen this site to camp because of it strategic location at the edge of the most populous part of Texas. With his 1500 troops in position, Houston is said to have declared "On the Colorado I Make My Stand."

Not withstanding this bold declaration, Houston unexpectedly removed his army to the Brazos River on March 26th. Beason's Crossing was subsequently burned tot he ground by a detachment of Houston's army scarcely hours before the arrival of Sesma's army.

Sam Houston Bicentennial (1793-1993)

Just East of the East River Bridge at Columbus on side of Hwy. 90 in Beason Park.