Texas Historical Marker #08628
African American Education in College Station. Formal education for African Americans in Brazos County began as a result of the Public School Act of 1871. Classes were held in many small community and church-related schools, and by 1923 there were 127 African American students in the A&M Consolidated School District. Buildings accommodated only elementary school students until an agreement was reached to bus pupils to the Kemp High School in Bryan. The A&M School District paid the expenses. In the 1930s the number of African American students grew steadily. Rising costs of tuition and transportation prompted the A&M District to approve and build a high school in College Station. The A&M Consolidated Negro School opened in 1941. An athletic field was added in 1946 and the name of the school changed to Lincoln School. The building was expanded in 1948. A fire in 1966 destroyed one of three classroom buildings displacing 100 students. The burned facilities were not rebuilt. The City of College Station leased the land and the remaining five buildings in the late 1960s, and restored the site in 1972. The city bought the land in 1978 and dedicated the Lincoln Center in 1980. The former school is now the home of many community activities in College Station. (1996) #8628
1000 Eleanor St., College Station, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08629
First Presbyterian Church of Caldwell. This congregation was organized by The Rev. Hugh Wilson, an early Presbyterian missionary noted for his active work on the Texas frontier. Although the first account of the church appears in an 1850 document, it is likely that the congregation was organized soon after the City of Caldwell was founded in 1840. During the 1880s, the congregation met in the Methodist Church building. A 1906 fire destroyed the Presbyterians' first sanctuary. The congregation is an important historic link to the early days of Burleson County and the beginning of the Presbyterian Church in Texas. #8629
?, Caldwell, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08630
First United Methodist Church of Caldwell. Congregation, organized 1840, is one of the oldest in Texas. It was one of 12 appointments on Nashville Circuit, Galveston District, Republic of Texas. Early worship was in various temporary structures. Here, in 1841, the Republic gave this church a beautiful grove as a building site. Caldwell became a circuit in 1852; the first church building was erected in 1854. Becoming an "independent station" in 1889, Caldwell built a new church and hosted Texas Methodist Conference in 1890. Present building was erected in 1927 on historic site of 1841. #8630
306 W. Fox St., Caldwell, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08631
First United Methodist Church of Somerville. Organized 1901 by The Rev. H. G. Williams; had 29 charter members, and was in the Lyons Circuit. During first year, held prayer meetings in homes and preaching services in brush arbor lighted by members' lanterns. For weeks, evangelists operated a "chapel car" on railroad siding. Church and Sunday School moved in the winter to the schoolhouse. First sanctuary was erected in 1903; educational building, 1958; present sanctuary was completed on the original church site and dedicated in 1966. In first 70 years, the church had 34 pastors. #8631
?, Somerville, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08632
Fort Oldham. Built 1836-37 by pioneers who took refuge with William Oldham (1798?-1868), Infantry major in Texas War for Independence. The fort stabilized the area, as dozens lived there in seasons of Indian raids, and eventually preachers who helped found early church. By 1838, Fort Oldham had a post office and was a stopping place on Independence-Tenoxtitlan Road. Maj. Oldham joined Somervell and Mier Expeditions (1842) to counter Mexican raids into Texas. Captured by the foe, he escaped, fought way through perils, and returned home. He amassed fortune in land surrounding fort site. #8632
?, Cooks Point, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08633
Fort Tenoxtitlan. 2000 feet south, site of Fort Tenoxtitlan established by the Mexican government in July, 1830, in an attempt to stem Anglo-American settlement. Named in honor of the Aztec capital, now Mexico City. Abandoned by Mexican troops in 1832. In the town which grew up after 1834 many prominent Texans lived. The place passed from the map after 1860 #8633
?, Caldwell, TX, United States
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Texas Historical Marker #08634
Fort Tenoxtitlan. Founded by Mexico as a bulwark against Anglo-American immigration, this fort and its nearby city were twice proposed for the capital of Texas. Alarmed by the influx of Anglo settlers into Texas, Mexico in 1830 sought to erect a line of forts to keep out the intruders. The ancient Aztec name for Mexico City (originally pronounced "Tex-ox-teet-lan") was given this site; it means "prickly pear place". So hopeful of the fort's success was the military commandant of the region that he envisioned it as the capital of Texas. But Anglo immigration did not cease. Instead it thrived on the friendship of the local soldiers and incoming pioneers. The colonizer Sterling C. Robertson introduced scores of settlers. In 1832 the soldiers were withdrawn and the fort finally defaulted to the Anglos. Subsequently it was a supply center and mustering point for expeditions against the Indians. During its brief life many Texas patriots lived here, including 5 signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence, a martyr of the Alamo siege, and 7 soldiers of the Battle of San Jacinto. Tenoxtitlan was again suggested for the capital of Texas during the Republic, but Austin won out. In 1841, after many Indian raids, the site was abandoned. #8634
?, Caldwell, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08635
Giesenschlag Cemetery. Prussian born Johann Joachim Giesenschlag (1817-80), his wife Anna (Schulze), and their children came to Texas in 1855. Settling first in Washington County, they moved to Burleson County in the 1870s and bought over 1,000 acres here. Giesenschlag set aside this tract for a family cemetery, and was the first to be interred here. In 1883 members of his family donated the property to the Evangelical Lutheran Trinity Church at Mound Prairie. For many years a schoolhouse was located on former Giesenschlag land adjacent to this pioneer cemetery. #8635
?, Snook, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08636
Site of Harvey House. Fred Harvey, a native of England, began operation of his Santa Fe Railroad dining rooms in 1876. In 1900 a Harvey House opened in Somerville, Divisional Headquarters of the Santa Fe Line. The 2-story, galleried structure was 260 ft. long and contained a dining room, guest rooms, library and reading room. The Harvey House served travelers and railroad workers in an atmosphere of elegance. It became the social center of the town and boosted the local economy. The Harvey House closed in 1940 and was dismantled in 1943. The present depot is a part of the original building. #8636
?, Somerville, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08637
Lee W. Henslee. (1872 - 1927) Native of Burleson County; was named county sheriff in 1902; served in era when law and order were challenged. "Mr. Lee" seldom used a gun, commanding respect through quiet persuasion. His family lived in the county jail. He became tax collector, 1916. #8637
?, Caldwell, TX, United States
Subjects
Texas Historical Marker #08638
Hood's Texas Brigade, 1906 Reunion. In 1906 Somerville hosted the annual reunion of the Hood's Texas Brigade Association, a group established in 1872 for veterans of the celebrated Confederate unit. For two days, June 27-28, 74 veterans were honored with a celebration which included speeches, a baseball game, and a grand ball. The local events were planned under the direction of the Association's President R. A. Brantley, Sr., and his daughter Mrs. Norton B. Wellborn, both of Somerville. Part of a tradition which ended in 1934, the reunion reflected the area's respect for the former Civil War soldiers. #8638
?, Somerville, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08639
Thomas Kraitchar, Jr. House. A fine example of a Victorian cottage-style residence, this home was built in 1891 for Thomas Kraitchar, Jr. (1870-1946). A merchant by profession, Kraitchar also served terms as the Burleson County Tax Collector and as a Caldwell City Alderman. His house, of cypress construction, features a five-bay symmetrical facade with a central gable. It remained in the Kraitchar family until 1982. #8639
200 E. Buck St., Caldwell, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08640
Lake Somerville. First shovel of earth for Somerville Dam was turned Sept. 22, 1962, by Lyndon Johnson, then vice president of United States. Dam was built to control flooding on Yegua Creek. In the 46 years prior to 1958, Yegua has flooded 43 times, costing lives, crops. Project was finished 1967. #8640
?, Somerville, TX, United States
Subjects
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Texas Historical Marker #08641
Lyons. An 1878 railway work camp; in 1880 became town of Lyon's Station, named for site donor, W. A. Lyon. Soon had 3 cotton gins, an oil mill, many businesses. In 1894 hosted first auto ever seen in this county, with rides for the daring. Now gateway to Lake Somerville Recreation Area. #8641
?, Lyons, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08642
Lyons Methodist Church. Organized at High Prairie (5 mi. NW) before 1880. The Rev. John R. Dunn was the first pastor. After the railroad came to Lyons, moved here. Erected 1887, this is the oldest church building in regular use in this area. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1968 #8642
13608 Pecan, Lyons, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08643
Macedonia Hix Baptist Church. Traveling ministers conducted services in this area during the 1840s. The church was organized about 1852 and located on land belonging to Ezra Webb. Oldest marked grave in the adjacent cemetery is that of Elder W. G. O'Bryan, who died in 1867. The first church building was torn down in 1879 and another built on nearby land donated by J .W. Porter. The present structure was erected in 1928. Summer revival meetings, originally held in a brush arbor, often attracted large crowds. The Rev. A. S. Broaddus (1879-1963) ministered to this congregation for about 40 years, 1913-53. #8643
?, Caldwell, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08644
Josef Masik. (March 30, 1810 - July 1, 1881) First Czech teacher in Texas. Born in Moravia (now Czechoslovakia). Certified to teach at age 16. Came to Texas 1855, seeking freedom from oppression. Following much hardship, he resumed teaching, 1859, with up to 50 pupils yearly. Retired, 1872. #8644
?, Caldwell, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08645
Moseley's Ferry. Situated where the old San Antonio Road crossed the Brazos River, this public ferry was begun by Michael Boren (1806-75) about 1846. The ferry and a settlement nearby were named for Daniel Moseley (1787-1856), who took over the service in 1849 and whose family ran it until 1868. Other ferrymen continued to transport travelers, livestock, and freight across the river until 1912, when the Houston & Texas Central (now the Southern Pacific) constructed a railroad bridge at this location. Today a highway bridge spans the Brazos where Moseley's Ferry once operated. #8645
?, Caldwell, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08646
New Tabor Brethren Church. About 1870 this area of Burleson County was settled by Czech-Moravian immigrants in search of fertile land and the religious freedom denied them in their native European homeland. Informal services were held twice a year in the family home of Joseph Macat until 1877, when The Rev. L. J. Chlumsky, of Washington County's Wesley community, accepted the call to conduct services at New Tabor Brethren Church. The congregation built a sanctuary at this location in 1893, the year of its formal organization as the Evangelical Czech-Moravian Brethren Church. The church building was destroyed by a tornado in 1915 and replaced by a new sanctuary later that year. New Tabor was the site of the Texas State Convention of Czech-Moravian Churches in 1919 during which independent congregations such as New Tabor's were accepted into the Unified Church denomination. The church organized a Mutual Aid Society in 1920, a Christian Sisters Society in 1927, and a Young People's Circle in 1936. The congregation's third sanctuary was constructed here in 1953. In 1962 a Men's Brotherhood was organized and in 1971 a nearby church cemetery was established. New Tabor continues to serve the community by sponsoring various outreach programs. #8646
?, Caldwell, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #08647
Oaklawn Cemetery. Dating to 1900, this graveyard was first called the Somerville and Lyons Cemetery. Land was purchased by J. W. Lauderdale to establish a cemetery upon the death of his two-year-old son Charles on November 6, 1900. The name was changed to Oaklawn Cemetery in 1913. Among the more than 2000 burials are 22 Civil War veterans, 20 children between 1900-1905, and victims of a typhoid fever epidemic in 1903. The construction of the dam at Somerville in 1963 caused 16 people to be reinterred here from other graveyards. The cemetery is still in use. #8647
?, Somerville, TX, United States