History of the Camp
During the 1980s, the closest SCV camps were in Hillsboro and Temple; many of the gentlemen from Waco decided to join the Temple camp to help with membership since the Hillsboro camp was growing consistently under Commander Dr. Buddy Patter.
As the number of Waco members grew, John Perry suggested starting an SCV camp in Waco. In 1990, eight SCV members met and formed General Felix H. Robertson Camp #129. Charter member Charles Oliver served as commander for 15 of the first 20 years.
The camp was named in honor of General Robertson, the youngest general in the Confederate Army and a prominent citizen of Waco. The Robertson camp rapidly grew with new members, and within a few years, membership was up to 75.
Members participate in numerous events in Waco and many of the surrounding communities. Such events include our annual Lee/Jackson banquet in January, marching in the Veterans Day parade, placing flags on Confederate soldiers’ graves at Memorial and Veterans Day, speaking at Walking Tales about many of the Confederate soldiers buried at Oakwood Cemetery, recruiting at the Genealogy Lock-in at West Waco Library, reenactments, and other events that allow us to honor our Confederate ancestors and heritage.
Over the years, members have actively led the camp and helped keep membership growing. You are invited to come meet members who share your goals of honoring our Southern heritage and ancestors. You will also hear interesting guest speakers to learn more about the people who fought during the War, battles, and related topics.
Who was Gen. Felix H. Robertson?
Felix Huston Robertson was born in Washington-on-the-Brazos on March 9, 1839, to Jerome and Mary Elizabeth Robertson. He was the only native-born Texan general. Also notably, he and his father were the only other father/son generals during the Civil War besides General Robert E. Lee and his sons.
Robertson attended Baylor University when it was in Independence, and then he transferred to West Point in 1857. Shortly before graduation, he had to resign due to the outbreak of the War.
Like his father, he rose quite rapidly through the ranks as the war went on. He began service as a second lieutenant for an Artillery Battery. He participated in many major battles, such as Murfreesboro, Shiloh, and Chickamauga. After Chickamauga, he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and given command of a cavalry-corps artillery battery. During most of the 1864 Atlanta Campaign, he led this battery. On July 26, 1864, Robertson was promoted to Brigadier
General.
Unfortunately, on November 29, 1864, General Robertson was severely wounded at Buckhead Creek, which ultimately ended his military career. After the war, Robertson returned to Texas, permanently residing in Waco. He began to study law and eventually became a member of the State Bar. He was said to be an “enthusiastic member of the United Confederate Veterans,” and was even put in charge of the Texas Division in 1911.
On April 20, 1928, General Felix H. Robertson passed away and was buried in Waco’s Oakwood Cemetery along with his father, mother, and grandmother. His final legacy at the time of his death is that he was the last surviving Confederate general.