Isaac Van Zandt (July 10, 1813 – October 11, 1847) was a political leader in the Republic of Texas.

The Van Zandt family had migrated to America from the Netherlands prior to the American Revolutionary War.

After experiencing financial difficulties after the depression of 1837, Van Zandt became interested in a debate society which enabled him to use his natural talent for public speaking.

Van Zandt named the new city in honor of the Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court John Marshall.

The Van Zandt family donated their plantation as the site for the College of Marshall (now East Texas Baptist University) in 1912.