Mark in Texas History: Remembering East Texas pioneer Elisha Everett Lott

SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - More than a century ago, Elisha Everett Lott was one of the most familiar figures in East Texas politics and regional development.

Lott entered public service in 1842 when, at age 22, he won a seat in the Texas Congress to fill a vacancy. He represented Harrison and Panola counties for two years before focusing on settlement efforts across East Texas.

During that time, Lott played a key role in organizing Smith County and helped select Tyler as the county seat.

Lott also worked to open local waterways to commercial transit, helping promote steamboat navigation along the Sabine River. Steamboats traveled the river from Logansport, Louisiana, transporting lumber, wool and cotton. By 1848, Lott was formally recognized as an advocate for river development, a project that helped launch his broader political career.

In 1853, voters elected Lott to the Texas Senate. He resigned his Senate seat in 1861 to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the Confederate States Army.

Lott fell ill during his military service and returned to his home in Starrville, where he died at age 44.

Lott and his family owned much of the land surrounding present-day Winona and Starrville, where the Lott Family Cemetery remains today. The Texas Historical Commission dedicated a historical marker near the site in 1991.

The marker stands in Smith County on Highway 155, roughly two miles south of Winona.