James W. Robinson

First Lieutenant Governor of Texas James W. Robinson (1800-1857) Born in Indiana. Came to Texas in 1833. Elected lieutenant governor in November, 1835, Served as governor January to March 1836, then fought as a private in the Battle of San Jacinto April 21, 1836. Later lived in Gonzales, was judge of the fourth judicial district, and member of Supreme Court. Since Robinson's term, 35 men have served in this capacity. Nine became governor by succession, seven were elected governor. One, Allan Shivers, succeeded to the governorship and served longer in that office than any other man: 7 years, 6 months and 5 days. The first native son to serve Texas as lieutenant governor was William P. Hobby in 1915. This elective office is the second highest in the state. Qualifications for lieutenant governor are the same as for governor and he may be called upon to succeed to that office at any time. The salary is the same as for members of the State Senate. The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate and appoints senators to the 24 standing committees. Through this broad power he may direct the course of legislation. He is chairman of the Legislative Budget Board and the Texas Legislative Council.

James W. Robinson is a historical marker in Gonzales, Gonzales County, dedicated in 1966. It is one of 94 historical markers documented in Gonzales County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 186 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.5011, -97.4525 near Gonzales. The nearest cataloged historic site is Andrew Ponton (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Gonzales Courthouse, Dickinson, Capt. and Mrs. Almaron, 1834 Homesite of, and Old Jail Museum.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5177001735. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.