Rebecca Hawkins Hagerty, born March 15, 1815, was a prominent 19th-century Texas plantation owner and enslaver. She was a Creek Nation member who helped shape the region’s history during a turbulent moment in American history distinguished by race, gender, and property ownership.
Early Life
Rebecca was born into the famous McIntosh family, descended from Lower Creeks half-Scottish chief William McIntosh. She was well-educated for her time and raised in Creek Nation traditions.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1815 | Born in the Creek Nation, Georgia. |
| 1831 | Married Benjamin Hawkins, a mixed-blood Creek. |
| 1838 | Became a widow with two daughters after Benjamin’s death. |
Marriages and Family
Rebecca married Benjamin Hawkins and had two daughters. After Benjamin’s unexpected death, she remarried planter Spire M. Hagerty, boosting her wealth and landholdings.
| Name | Relation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Hawkins | First husband | Married in 1831, died young. |
| Spire M. Hagerty | Second husband | Married in 1838, owned multiple plantations. |
| Frances (Fannie) Hagerty | Daughter | One of Rebecca’s two daughters. |
| John McIntosh | Brother | Related to Rebecca through the McIntosh lineage. |
Plantation Ownership
The Phoenix Plantation and another productive Texas plantation were managed by Rebecca Hawkins Hagerty. She was one of the few Texas women who own over 100 slaves by the 1860 census, demonstrating her wealth and authority.
| Plantation Name | Location | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Plantation | Harrison County, Texas | Owned and operated by Rebecca; significant acreage. |
| Second Plantation | East Texas | Additional property that contributed to her wealth. |
Wealth and Net Worth
Rebecca had $100,000–$12,00 in the antebellum period, enough for several million now. She was one of Texas’ richest woman due to her plantations and their enslaved workers.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Equivalent Today |
|---|---|---|
| 1860 | $112,000 | Approximately $4 million |
| 1850-1860 | Over $100,000 | Equivalent to $3 million in 2023 |
Legacy and Civil War Impact
Rebecca’s fortunes declined once the US abolished slavery. She tried to keep her fortune through numerous projects, but the economy had changed, threatening her financial stability.
| Event | Impact |
|---|---|
| Abolition of Slavery | Drastically reduced her wealth and assets. |
| Post-Civil War Ventures | Efforts to diversify were largely unsuccessful. |
Later Years and Death
Rebecca moved back to Oklahoma after the Civil War to reconnect with her roots. She died about 1888 while visiting her brother, leaving a legacy tied to the Creek Nation and the violent age of American plantation life.
| Year | Event | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1866 | Built a log cabin in Oklahoma | Prepared for a return to her origins. |
| 1888 | Died while visiting family in Oklahoma | Exact date of death remains uncertain. |
FAQ
Who was Rebecca Hawkins Hagerty?
Rebecca Hawkins Hagerty, a 19th-century Texas plantation owner and enslaver, managed two plantations and owned several slaves.
What is known about Rebecca’s family?
Rebecca, daughter of Chief William McIntosh, married Benjamin Hawkins and had two daughters before remarrying Spire M. Hagerty.
What was Rebecca’s lifetime wealth?
One of Texas’ wealthiest women in the 1860s, Rebecca was reported to be worth $100,000–$12,000.
What became of Rebecca after the Civil War?
Rebecca struggled financially after the Civil War due to the abolition of slavery, and her latter businesses failed.
Where did Rebecca die?
Around 1888, Rebecca died while visiting her brother in Oklahoma, ending a key chapter in Creek Nation and Texas plantation history.
