Edward Burleson came to Texas in 1831 and settled near Bastrop on the Colorado River. When the Texas revolution broke out, Burleson was made a second in command to Stephen F. Austin, and was in command of the forces that participated in taking of San Antonio in the fall of 1835; he later commanded the first regiment of volunteers at the Battle of San Jacinto. In 1841 he was elected as vice-president of Texas and in 1842 he returned to the field to repel the Mexican Invasions. After retiring from the field service in the defense of Texas he was elected to the State senate. Burleson County, Texas is named after the General.