Judge Burnet - Burnet Park, Baytown, TX
Posted by: 
jhuoni
N 29° 46.864 W 095° 03.073
15R E 301711 N 3296289
Burnet Park was once Oakland, the Burnet homesite. It is now a community park. A series of informative markers highlight the life of David G. Burnet, the First President of the Republic of Texas.
Waymark Code: WMXXCJ
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 03/12/2018
Views: 1
David G. Burnet - Judge
Judge Burnet
David G. Burnet was appointed Superior Judge over the Brazos District of Mexico in 1834 by the Mexican government. His territory was huge, essentially covering most of Central Texas. His district was one of three in the Texas Providence. The two other districts, Nacogdoches and Bexar were also assigned Superior Judges, but for whatever reason, those courts were never in session and Burnet held the first trials by jury in Texas before the revolution.
Though quite an honor; the job was not easy. Burnet traveled hundreds of miles within his district to hear cases. He did not hold the position very long. Just one year later the provisional revolutionary government was in place and one year after that, Burnet was named ad-interim president of the new republic.
Of all Burnets roles as a leader, his term as Superior Judge seemed to suit him best and was referred to as “Judge” for the rest of his life.
About the Park
David G. Burnet Memorial Park is a 6.3 acre park located east of the Lynchburg Ferries north landing. This historic park is named after David G. Burnet, first President of the Republic of Texas. In addition to conventional park amenities there is a 1/4 mile jogging trail, educational plaza, historical marker, plaques and kiosks emphasizing the history of the park as Burnets home site and the shared history with the Lynchburg ferry and San Jacinto battleground. Also on site is pavilion replica of the Burnet homestead. Take time to visit the Park to learn more about David G. Burnet and the role he and others played in Texas history.