Discovering the Legacy of Lawrence Sullivan Ross: A Heroic Texan Figure

...

Who is Lawrence Sullivan Ross, you ask? Well, let me tell you, dear reader, that this man was not your average Joe. No, he was a Texan through and through, with a larger-than-life personality to match. From his days as a Confederate soldier to his stint as the governor of Texas, Ross left his mark on history in ways that are both fascinating and entertaining.

Let's start at the beginning, shall we? Ross was born in Iowa, but don't let that fool you - he was as Texan as they come. In fact, he moved to Texas when he was just a boy and quickly developed a love for the state that would last his entire life. After attending Baylor University, Ross joined the Confederate army and fought bravely in several battles.

But it wasn't just Ross's military service that made him stand out. Oh no, this man had a personality that was larger than the state of Texas itself. He was known for his quick wit, his love of practical jokes, and his ability to charm just about anyone. It's said that he once rode a horse up the steps of the Texas Capitol building just to prove that he could.

After the war, Ross settled down in Waco, Texas and became a successful businessman. But it wasn't long before he was back in politics, serving as a state senator and eventually becoming the governor of Texas in 1887. As governor, Ross worked tirelessly to improve the state's infrastructure and education system.

But perhaps Ross's most enduring legacy is his role in the Battle of Bandera Pass. In 1873, Ross and a group of Texas Rangers were tasked with capturing a band of Comanche Indians who had been raiding settlements in the area. The Rangers faced off against the Comanches in a narrow pass, and things quickly turned violent.

It was Ross's quick thinking that saved the day. Seeing that the Rangers were outnumbered and outgunned, he ordered his men to line up their horses in a circle to create a makeshift barricade. The Comanches were caught off guard by this tactic and eventually retreated.

But Ross's heroism didn't stop there. Later in life, he served as the president of Texas A&M University, where he was beloved by students and faculty alike. It's said that he would often ride his horse into classrooms just to liven things up.

So who is Lawrence Sullivan Ross? He's a man who embodied everything that makes Texas great - bravery, humor, and a love for all things Lone Star. His legacy lives on today, and we can all learn a thing or two from his larger-than-life personality.


Introduction

So, you want to know who Lawrence Sullivan Ross is? Well, let me tell you, he's not just any old guy. No, sir. He's a legend. A man of the people. A hero. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, but he's definitely an interesting character. Let's dive in and find out more about this guy.

Early Life and Education

Lawrence Sullivan Ross was born on September 27, 1838, in Iowa Territory. Yes, that's right, Iowa. You might be thinking, Wait, isn't he associated with Texas? Well, hold your horses, we'll get to that. Anyway, Ross was the youngest of six children and grew up on a farm. He received a basic education and eventually attended college at Baylor University. But, let's be real, the important thing here is that he was born in Iowa.

Military Career

After college, Ross joined the Confederate Army and fought in the American Civil War. He quickly rose through the ranks and eventually became a brigadier general. He was known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield. He even fought in the Battle of Gettysburg, which was no small feat. So, yeah, Ross was a pretty big deal in the military.

Political Career

After the war, Ross returned to Texas and began his political career. He served as a state senator and was eventually elected governor of Texas in 1886. As governor, he focused on education and infrastructure, and he was well-liked by the people of Texas. But, let's be honest, the fact that he was a former military hero probably didn't hurt his popularity.

Famous Horseback Ride

Now, here's where things get interesting. In 1861, Ross was tasked with delivering a message from General Thomas J. Jackson to General Earl Van Dorn. The problem was that Van Dorn was on the other side of the enemy lines. So, what did Ross do? He dressed up as a civilian and rode his horse through enemy territory to deliver the message. It was a risky move, but it worked. It's no wonder this guy is a legend.

University President

After his time as governor, Ross became the president of Texas A&M University. He was instrumental in expanding the university and making it a top-notch institution. He even helped start the tradition of Aggie Ring Day, which is a big deal at Texas A&M. So, yeah, Ross is basically a god among Aggies.

Legacy

So, what's the deal with Ross's legacy? Well, he's remembered as a hero in both the military and political worlds. He's also remembered as a champion of education and infrastructure. But, let's be real, his horseback ride is probably what he's most famous for.

Controversy

Of course, no historical figure is perfect, and Ross is no exception. He owned slaves during the Civil War and was a supporter of segregation later in life. These are not things to be proud of, and they should be acknowledged. However, it's important to remember that Ross was a product of his time and place. That doesn't excuse his actions, but it does provide some context.

Conclusion

So, there you have it. Lawrence Sullivan Ross was a man of many accomplishments and many flaws. He's remembered as a hero and a legend, but also as a man who owned slaves and supported segregation. It's up to each of us to decide how we want to remember him. But, one thing's for sure, that horseback ride will always be pretty darn cool.


Who Is Lawrence Sullivan Ross?

Lawrence Sullivan Ross, or Little Larry as he was affectionately known in his early years, is a man of many tales and even more questionable achievements. While some may remember him as a war hero, others might recall his brief stint as a circus performer or his dubious place in the history of photography. But who was this man behind the myth? Let's take a closer look at the life and times of Lawrence Sullivan Ross.

The Early Years: Or, How Little Larry Managed to Wear Out His Welcome Mat

Lawrence Ross was born in 1838 in Iowa Territory, which was about as exciting as it sounds. His family eventually moved to Texas, where they settled on a ranch and promptly wore out their welcome mat. According to local legend, Little Larry was such a rambunctious child that his parents had to bolt their front door shut just to keep him from running off into the wilderness.

From Childhood Dreams to Adult Nightmares: Lawrence Ross’s Career Path

As he grew older, Lawrence Ross began to dream of bigger things than just running around in the wilds of Texas. He decided he wanted to be a politician, which was a bit like deciding you wanted to be a snake charmer in those days. Nevertheless, he pursued his dreams with dogged determination and eventually landed a job as a county clerk.

A Brief Detour: The Time Lawrence Ross Decided to Become a Circus Performer

As fate would have it, Lawrence Ross's political career was short-lived. He decided to take a brief detour into the world of circus performing, where he discovered that he was surprisingly good at juggling. Unfortunately, his act was cut short when he accidentally threw a flaming baton into the crowd and set fire to the big top.

A Time of Great Divide: Lawrence Ross’s Role in the American Civil War

Despite his brief stint as a circus performer, Lawrence Ross's true calling was still in politics. When the American Civil War broke out, he joined the Confederate Army and quickly rose through the ranks. He fought bravely in several battles and was eventually promoted to the rank of brigadier general. However, his glory was short-lived, as the Confederacy eventually lost the war.

Ghostly Tales and the Legend of Lawrence Ross: His Reputation Preceded Him

After the war, Lawrence Ross's reputation preceded him wherever he went. There were rumors that he had been involved in some shady dealings during the conflict, and some even claimed that he had made a deal with the devil himself. Others told ghostly tales of his ghostly apparition appearing on the battlefield, still fighting the war long after it had ended.

Independence Day, Southern Style: Lawrence Ross’s Leadership Role in the Texas Revolution

Despite his controversial past, Lawrence Ross continued to pursue his political ambitions. He became the governor of Texas and played a key role in the state's fight for independence from Mexico. His leadership skills were widely praised, and he became a hero to many Texans.

A Man of Many Talents: Lawrence Ross’s Impressively Mediocre Accomplishments

Throughout his life, Lawrence Ross dabbled in a number of different pursuits. He was a politician, a soldier, a circus performer, and even a photographer. Unfortunately, his accomplishments in these fields were mostly mediocre at best. His political career was marred by scandal, his military record was checkered, and his photographs were unremarkable.

Say Cheese! Lawrence Ross’s Dubious Place in the History of Photography

Speaking of Lawrence Ross's photography, it's worth mentioning that he did have a dubious place in the history of the medium. He is credited with taking one of the first photographs of a Native American, which sounds impressive until you realize that the subject was actually a wax museum figure.

The Ross Family: Madness, Mayhem, and the Open Road

Lawrence Ross was not the only colorful character in his family. His brother, Shapley, was known for his wild temper and love of the open road. His sister, Kate, was rumored to have been involved in a number of scandalous affairs. Together, the Ross family was a force to be reckoned with.

Lawrence Ross: Behind the Myth, a Man with a Big Hat and Even Bigger Ego.

Despite his many quirks and questionable accomplishments, Lawrence Ross remains a fascinating figure in American history. He was a man who pursued his dreams with dogged determination, even when those dreams seemed hopelessly out of reach. And while he may not have been the most successful politician or soldier or circus performer, he certainly left his mark on the world. Whether that mark is a positive one or not is still up for debate.


Who Is Lawrence Sullivan Ross?

The Legend of Lawrence Sullivan Ross

Well, let me tell you a story about a man who was more than just your average Texan. This man was a hero, a soldier, a governor, and even a university president. His name was Lawrence Sullivan Ross, and he was a true legend in the state of Texas.

The Early Years

Lawrence Sullivan Ross was born in 1838 in Bentonsport, Iowa. His family moved to Texas when he was just six years old, and he grew up on a farm near Waco. Ross was an adventurous boy and loved the outdoors. He spent most of his childhood fishing and hunting with his brothers.

The Military Man

When the Civil War broke out, Ross joined the Confederate Army. He quickly rose through the ranks and became a general at the young age of 26. Ross was known for his bravery and leadership skills on the battlefield. He was even wounded several times but continued to fight for the South until the end of the war.

The Governor

After the war, Ross returned to Texas and became involved in politics. He was elected as the governor of Texas in 1886 and served two terms. Ross was a popular governor and is credited with improving education and transportation in the state. He was also known for his fairness and honesty.

The University President

In 1891, Ross was appointed as the president of Texas A&M University. He worked tirelessly to improve the school and is still considered one of the university's greatest presidents to this day. Ross was also instrumental in starting the tradition of the Aggie Ring, which is still worn by Texas A&M graduates today.

The Legacy

Lawrence Sullivan Ross passed away in 1898, but his legacy lives on. He is remembered as a hero, a statesman, and a true Texan. The state of Texas even named a county and a university after him. So, the next time you're in Texas, be sure to remember the legend of Lawrence Sullivan Ross.

Keywords:

  • Lawrence Sullivan Ross
  • Texas
  • Civil War
  • Governor
  • Texas A&M University
  • Aggie Ring

So, Who Is Lawrence Sullivan Ross?

Well, dear readers, we have come to the end of our journey to discover who Lawrence Sullivan Ross is. It's been quite a ride, hasn't it? We've learned about his life, his achievements, and his legacy. But before we part ways, let me leave you with a few final thoughts.

Firstly, I hope that you've enjoyed this article as much as I've enjoyed writing it. It's always fascinating to delve into the lives of historical figures and learn about their contributions to society. And Lawrence Sullivan Ross is no exception.

Secondly, I want to emphasize how important it is to remember our history. Lawrence Sullivan Ross may have lived over a century ago, but his impact still resonates today. By understanding our past, we can better appreciate the present and work towards a better future.

But enough of the serious stuff. Let's talk about the man himself - Lawrence Sullivan Ross. From what we've learned, he was quite the character. A fearless soldier, a skilled politician, and a loving husband and father. He even had a pet squirrel named Fannie! Now, that's something you don't hear every day.

And let's not forget about his impressive mustache. I mean, that thing deserves its own Wikipedia page. It's no wonder he was such a popular figure in his time - who wouldn't love a man with a mustache like that?

But all jokes aside, Lawrence Sullivan Ross was a remarkable person. He dedicated his life to serving his country and his community, and he did so with honor and integrity. We could all learn a thing or two from him.

So, whether you're a Texan who already knew all about Ross or someone from across the globe who stumbled upon this article by chance, I hope you've gained a newfound appreciation for this historical figure.

And with that, I bid you adieu. Thank you for joining me on this journey to discover who Lawrence Sullivan Ross is. Who knows, maybe one day you'll find yourself standing in front of his statue in Texas and reminiscing about all the things you learned from this blog post. Until then, keep learning and exploring!


Who Is Lawrence Sullivan Ross?

People Also Ask:

1. Was Lawrence Sullivan Ross a famous person?

Yes, he was. He was a famous Confederate Army general, politician, and university president.

2. Did Lawrence Sullivan Ross have any significant achievements?

Yes, he did. He led the Confederate cavalry at the Battle of Corinth during the Civil War and served as the 19th governor of Texas. He also played a crucial role in developing Texas A&M University into a world-class institution.

3. What is Lawrence Sullivan Ross known for?

He is known for his bravery and leadership during the Civil War, his successful tenure as a governor, and his contributions to education in Texas.

4. Is Lawrence Sullivan Ross still alive?

No, he is not. He passed away in 1898.

Answer:

Who is Lawrence Sullivan Ross, you ask? Well, let me tell you, he's not just any old Joe Schmo. He was a big deal back in the day.

First off, he was a Confederate Army general during the Civil War. And let me tell you, this guy had some serious cojones. He led the cavalry at the Battle of Corinth and even took a bullet in the chest. But did that stop him? Heck no! He kept fighting until the end.

After the war, he went on to become the 19th governor of Texas. And let me tell you, he was a darn good one. He helped bring peace to a state that had been torn apart by war and Reconstruction. He also worked to improve education and infrastructure throughout the state.

But that's not all. He also played a crucial role in developing Texas A&M University into the world-class institution it is today. He served as the school's president for six years and helped turn it into a leading center for agricultural and engineering research.

So there you have it, folks. Lawrence Sullivan Ross was a true Texan hero. And if you ever find yourself in College Station, be sure to tip your hat to his statue on campus.