American Civil War 1861 to 1865

1st Lt. Richard W. Dowling

Richard W Dowling

This 30-foot statue of the American Civil War hero Richard W. (Dick) Dowling -  is located in the City of Houston, Texas, USA.

Click to enlarge picture of Richard W Dowling

 

Richard William Dowling was baptized on January 14, 1837, probably born in the same month.  His home was near Tuam in a rural area called Knock, County Galway, Ireland. His parents were Pat and Bridget Dowling.  

The second oldest of seven children, Dick and his older sister Honora came to New Orleans in 1846 during the famine years; the rest of the family came later. His parents died in the yellow fever epidemic in New Orleans in 1853. 

Dick moved to Houston in 1857, age 20, and married Elizabeth Anne Odlum in November, 1857 and became a tavern owner. They had five children, only two of whom survived childhood: Mary Annie Dowling Robertson and Felize Sabine Dowling (later went by the name Richard Dowling.)

Dick Dowling distinguished himself in Houston business ventures and civic involvement prior to his winning fame as the "Hero of Sabine Pass"  during the  Civil War (or as is said in the South, the War between the States.) Dick was in command of his company, the Davis Guards, at Sabine Pass, Texas in September, 1863 when their force, numbering 43, held off an invading army of 5000 Union troops at Sabine Pass without losses (September 8th). click to enlarge
He and his unit were the only Confederate unit to be awarded a medal of honor during the war by the Confederate government. The medals were actually Mexican coins that had been smoothed down on one side and had the information carved into them. They were inscribed " Sabine Pass, 1864". 

After the war Dick and two other Irishmen formed a partnership for the purpose of oil and other mineral exploration.  It is considered the first oil company in Texas and is an indication of how far-sighted Dick Dowling was.

Click to enlarge: This 1950s postcard pictures A Monument erected to the Memory of Lt Dick Dowling and his Followers - Sabine Pass Texas. A Civil War monument erected in 1936. Published by Colourpicture - ShiniColor SK5269

Click to enlarge: Sepia real photo card captioned, "Houston, Texas, City Hall and Market House." Descriptive paragraph on reverse identifies the monument to be the Dowling monument, who was the Confederate hero of Sabine Pass fame. Card is by Raphael Tuck.

Sadly Dick Dowling was a victim of the yellow fever epidemic in Houston in 1867. He died September 23, 1867 and is buried in St. Vincent's Cemetery, Houston's oldest Catholic burial ground.

Sources:
1. Ann Caraway Ivins, Great-great grandniece of Dick Dowling
2. "Dick Dowling at Sabine Pass" by Frank X Tolbert
3. Michael L Dowling, Indiana History Teacher and Civil War re-enactor

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See also Siege of Port Hudson for more Confederate Dowlings
Main US Civil War Page       
Dick Dowling At Sabine Pass; A Texas Incident In The War Between The States. Click to look at Book