George Fisher (settler)

George Fisher (c. 1795 – 1873), also known as Jorge Fisher, was an early settler, merchant, and customs official prominent in Texas during the period of Mexican Texas and the Republic of Texas.

Born in Austria, his early life is somewhat obscure. He appears to have traveled widely, spending time in Europe and the United States before arriving in Mexico in the 1820s. He embraced Mexican citizenship and became involved in various business ventures, including land speculation and trade.

Fisher's significance lies primarily in his appointment as customs collector for the port of Galveston in 1830. This was a strategically important position, as Galveston was a major point of entry for goods and immigrants into Texas. In this role, he enforced Mexican customs laws, which included restrictions on immigration and trade. These laws, and Fisher's strict enforcement of them, became a source of friction between the Anglo-American colonists and the Mexican government, contributing to the growing tensions that ultimately led to the Texas Revolution.

He was involved in the Anahuac Disturbances of 1832, a key event leading to the revolution, due to his enforcement of custom regulations and his perceived favoritism towards Mexican merchants. Fisher's actions inflamed the colonists and contributed to the initial armed conflict between Texians and Mexican forces.

After the outbreak of the Texas Revolution, Fisher supported the Texian cause. Following Texas independence, he continued to be involved in business and politics, holding various positions within the Republic of Texas. He remained a figure of some controversy due to his earlier role as a Mexican customs official and his perceived strictness.

George Fisher eventually moved to California, where he died in 1873. He is remembered as a complex and controversial figure in the history of Texas, whose actions played a role in the lead-up to the Texas Revolution. He is a subject of ongoing historical debate, with some historians emphasizing his role as a loyal Mexican official and others focusing on his eventual support for Texas independence.