Sterling, Governor Ross Shaw, Birthplace

(1875-1949) Governor of Texas 1931-33, during critical years of the Depression. Born and reared on family farm here. As a youth hoeing these fields, learned to stay ahead by taking "3 or 4 licks" while others took 2. followed this vigorous philosophy throughout life. In 1898 he married Maud Abbie Gage; had 5 children. In 1910 bought 2 wells which he developed into the Humble Oil & Refining Company in 1917. Then entered real estate development in Houston, 1925: bought the Houston "Dispatch" and "Post," forerunners of present Houston "Post." As head of Texas Highway Commission, 1927-30, achieved great reforms in roads programs. His term as governor saw forceful handling of crises of the times. He called a special session of the Legislature to deal with over-production in agriculture. Also put teeth into measures to control oil production by placing 4 counties under martial law following violations of conservation rules. When he returned to private life, his fortune had been lost. Undaunted, he launched the Sterling Oil & Refining Company and eventually was head of other major businesses. Philanthropies included gift of his La Porte estate as a boys' home, founding of boys' camp and donations to Texas Christian University.

Sterling, Governor Ross Shaw, Birthplace is a historical marker in Anahuac, Chambers County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 39 historical markers documented in Chambers County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 81 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.7114, -94.6751 near Anahuac. The nearest cataloged historic site is Graydon (historical marker), about 1.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Round Point, Crook Cemetery, and Mount Zion Church Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5071009134. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.