Matthew Gaines and the 12th Texas Legislature

Senator Matthew Gaines passionately and unflaggingly supported the forward movement that established the first public school system for all Texans. The first African American state senator from Washington County, he was instrumental in the 12th Texas Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 276, which created the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas under the Land-Grant College Act of 1862, also known as the Morrill Act.

Senator Matthew Gaines was a former slave who, upon emancipation, pursued a life of civil service. He not only held public office, but he was well educated and culturally immersed. He was said to have spoken multiple languages.

The Morrill Act not only solidified the future of Texas A&M University but Prairie View A&M University, as well. Prairie View A&M University is a historically Black university, and in conjunction with Texas A&M University, provides top tier Texas education.

In 2017, the Texas A&M University Student Government Association, Graduate & Professional Student Council, and Residential Housing Association each passed legislation in support of commemorating Gaines and the 12th Texas Legislature on the Texas A&M campus.