The Williamson County Grays

08/23/2026

Please help us bless the Hand Family as they go back into the hospital to fight round 2 of cancer. Chuck is back in the hospital starting all over with Chemotherapy again because the cancer cells are back in full force in his blood and bones. They need all the prayers they can get & blessing them wi...

08/23/2026

https://www.ktbs.com/news/texas-soldiers-who-died-of-disease-during-civil-war-honored-in-southwest-arkansas/article_b5a9c3ef-3192-4677-a022-9ec273448c31.html?utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwZnRzaAT3RlpwZG9mAWZkaWQWUNChXemPTwQAJ46sLy_FP4xAME_pIGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDzE3Mzg0NzY0MjY3MDM3MAABHpy6rwA8SI9IzTKuxmx19u4Ye99TaFlOSIvMuEXiwVjKtb-4zWpXXfcb8sEE_aem_9hdSjmJh0LFzsOGNXWFT2Q

DODDRIDGE, Ark. – Dozens of people gathered in southwest Arkansas on Saturday to honor a group of Texas soldiers whose service during the Civil War ended before they ever reached

08/17/2026

08/04/2026

Today at the Southern Heritage Center (the National Confederate Museum and Historic Elm Springs) Dr. Sam Barnes (center) presented a check for $200,000 to SCV Executive Director Adam Southern (left) for the Forrest's Last Ride Fund. The fund was created to re-erect the Forrest Equestrian monument over the graves of General and Mrs. Nathan Bedford Forrest. Also present was acclaimed artist David Wright (right). Mr. Wright is working with the SCV to produce limited edition Forrest-themed artwork to benefit the Forrest's Last Ride Fund. More details on the artwork to come.

If you would like to donate toward this project, please visit: https://donate.scv.org/donations/forrests-last-ride/

07/25/2026

Dues are due! The deadline is fast approaching! While there is a one month grace period, you are urged to get your dues to your Camp adjutant, or by whatever means your camp collects them before the July 31st deadline. Let’s push for 💯 % retention across the Confederation!

07/23/2026

Last night members of the Williamson County Grays, Albert Sidney Johnson Chapter of the UDC and the Austin Civil War Roundtable attending a presentation and book signing by Lori Duran with her new book Civil War Chaos in Texas, a book about Texas Civil war Governor Pendleton Murrah. If you missed it, Lori has graciously accepted our invitation to speak at the August 11th camp meeting of the Grays. Dinner at 6:00PM, Meeting at 7:00PM at the Circleville Store in Taylor. You'll come on down and listen to a fascinating presentation and buy an autographed book.

07/19/2026

A proud moment for the Texas Division.

Colonel Shelby K. Little has been awarded the Robert E. Lee Award at the National Reunion—one of the highest honors in the SCV.

From a distinguished Army career to decades of leadership within the SCV, Shelby has consistently led from the front. As Texas Division Commander, he has strengthened communication, revitalized camps, and brought renewed energy across the state.

Well deserved. Texas is proud.

07/04/2026

On July 4, 2026, members of the Williamson County Grays Camp #502 and Salt Works Camp #2353 proudly participated in the Independence Day Parade in Kingsland, Texas, joining thousands of Americans in celebrating our nation's 250th birthday.

Despite the Texas summer heat, our members donned authentic Civil War-era wool uniforms while our ladies wore period hoop skirts to help bring history to life for parade spectators. Their dedication reflects our commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the men and women who lived through one of the most defining periods of American history.

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the birth of our nation and to honor the generations of Americans who have served, sacrificed, and helped shape the United States. We were honored to take part in this community celebration and to represent the cause of historical preservation.

Thank you to the organizers of the Kingsland Fourth of July Parade and to everyone who came out to celebrate America's Semiquincentennial with us.

Deo Vindice

07/03/2026

Today we remember and celebrate the birthday of Major General John Austin Wharton, one of Texas’ most accomplished Confederate cavalry commanders.

Born on July 3, 1828, in Nashville, Tennessee, Wharton made Texas his home and answered its call when the Civil War began. Rising from captain to major general, he earned a reputation as an aggressive and fearless cavalry leader, serving with distinction in the Western Theater at battles including Shiloh, Perryville, Chickamauga, and throughout the Atlanta Campaign. His daring reconnaissance, raids, and battlefield leadership made him one of the Confederacy’s most respected cavalry officers.

Tragically, Wharton’s life did not end on the battlefield. On April 6, 1865, only days before General Lee’s surrender at Appomattox, he was shot and killed during a personal dispute with fellow Confederate General George Wythe Baylor in Houston. He was just 36 years old.

Today, Major General Wharton rests in the Texas State Cemetery, where his grave serves as a reminder of the service and sacrifice of one of Texas’ most notable Civil War leaders.

Happy Birthday, General Wharton. Your place in Texas history endures.

Photograph: The grave of Major General John Austin Wharton at the Texas State Cemetery, Austin, Texas.