Adolph Clarence Swanson: Pioneer Land Developer in Texas (1870–1930)

Published: 1952

Updated: July 1, 1995

Adolph Clarence Swanson, land speculator and developer, the son of Charles Christian Swanson, was born in Iowa on January 20, 1870. After attending Des Moines University, he moved in 1890 to Houston, Texas, where he entered the real-estate business to promote land developments in the Rio Grande and Gulf Coast regions. In 1910 he promoted the San Benito Irrigation Project. Swanson married Frances Barclay of Woodville on November 25, 1913. In 1915 they moved to Corpus Christi, where Swanson continued promotional activities in Harris, Liberty, Fort Bend, Brazoria, and Matagorda counties. He died on June 5, 1930, at Corpus Christi.

Ellis A. Davis and Edwin H. Grobe, comps., The New Encyclopedia of Texas (4 vols., 1929?).

The following, adapted from the Chicago Manual of Style, 15th edition, is the preferred citation for this entry.

Claudia Hazlewood, “Swanson, Adolph Clarence,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed May 19, 2026, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/swanson-adolph-clarence.

TID: FSW02

Original Publication Date:: 1952
Most Recent Revision Date:: July 1, 1995

Halley's Comet drops meteorite in northeast Texas

116 years ago today
Irish trader takes citizenship oath

197 years ago today
Indians take captives at Fort Parker

190 years ago today

Join TSHA

Support the preservation and sharing of Texas history. Join TSHA today and help keep these valuable historical records free for everyone—while supporting student research, educator resources, and member access to our digital library and publications.

Choose a Membership Level →

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

“

On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Long may these ideals live in the heart of every Texan and every American. May God bless all who have defended our freedoms that we enjoy each day. And God bless the United States of America.

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

Adolph Clarence Swanson: Pioneer Land Developer in Texas (1870–1930)

Bibliography:

Is history important to you?

Join TSHA

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Find Events

Get Involved

Learn More

Share this entry on social media:

Bibliography:

Is history important to you?

Join TSHA ×

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

Find Events

Get Involved

Learn More

Join TSHA