Texas Historical Marker #13851
Paul Bremond. The city of Bremond is named for the noted financier and railroad builder Paul Bremond (1810-85). A native of New York, where he apprenticed in the hat trade, Bremond came to Texas in 1839 and eventually joined other investors in a railroad that became the Houston and Texas Central. With Bremond as president, it built a line from Houston to Dallas and beyond. Among the new towns established along the route was Bremond, incorporated in 1870. Paul Bremond was also instrumental in the development of the Houston, East and West Texas Railroad farther east. A spiritualist who was married three times, Bremond was recognized widely as one of the state's leading businessmen of his day. (2005) #13851
402 Main St, Bremond, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #11757
First Baptist Church of Bremond. Local lore dates the origin of this church to 1865; however, the earliest written source indicates that a Bremond Baptist Church was in existence by 1869. The first members met in vacant store buildings under the leadership of the Rev. Mr. Harris. In 1869 or 1870 the church joined the Waco Baptist Association. A red brick structure was erected on this site in 1871. An 1876 record lists the church as the First Missionary Baptist Church of Christ of Bremond. With a membership of 148 in 1879, the church began to prosper under the pastorate of the Rev. C. C. Lee. The congregation joined the Little Brazos Association in 1880 and drew up a church covenant four years later. In 1899, the church joined the Robertson County Baptist Association. By 1933 the church was well established and deeply invested in community and missionary work. Plans for new facilities were underway by June 2, 1945, when a check to apply to a new building was received. That night, a storm destroyed the roof of the original structure. Through insurance, loans from members and gifts, construction on a modern edifice was completed in 1946. Church members gave their own monies to defray the church's debt. First Baptist Church members have long been active in worship and service. Through missionary projects in Mexico and Brazil, local community work, interdenominational services, and educational support, the congregation continues in the traditions of its founders. #11757
705 S. Austin, Bremond, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #11694
Bremond. Part of the 1841 Mary Peterson grant, the land on this site was sold to William Baker and a group of investors in 1869. The investors immediately granted right-of-way to the Houston and Texas Central Railway. The first train pulled into Bremond, named for railroad executive Paul Bremond, in 1870. It was met by a crowd of more than 1,000. The town was incorporated and a post office opened that year with Sam Morehead as postmaster. By 1871 Bremond had several merchants, churches, three doctors, a law firm, a school and a newspaper called The Central Texan. Joseph Bartula and his family were among the first of many Polish immigrants to arrive in the 1870s. The town continued to grow throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1999, Bremond had an estimated population of 1,300. (2000) #11694
117 S. Main St., Bremond, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #10958
Wootan Wells. Famous early health spa and resort. First well was dug 1878 by landowner Francis Wootan. Water tasted good, but turned dishes yellow and clothes red. Even so, it seemed to possess amazing curative properties. Wootan soon built a hotel and in 1879 a resort town made its debut. He formed promotion company with T. W. Wade and more hotels, a bottling works, dance pavilion, and school sprang up. Leading socialites came for miles to "take the waters." Disaster struck in 1915 when fire swept the town. In 1921 the last buildings also burned. #10958
?, Bremond, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #10944
St. Mary's Catholic Church. Founded 1876 to serve Poles settling in Bremond that decade. First church, built 1879, since 1908 (date of this edifice) has been parish school. Fathers A. Krypajtis (died 1907) and I. J. Szymanski (died 1941) led building of this Gothic structure. Parish made sacrifices, gave much labor to create edifice of old-world charm. Font and sacred art came from the 1879 structure. Settlers' heirs come yearly from far away to worship here. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1969 #10944
?, Bremond, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #10927
Grace United Methodist Church. This congregation was founded in 1868 as the Bremond Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with the Rev. John R. White serving as pastor. The earliest worship services were held in private homes or in the community's Union church. Two early Methodist church buildings were rebuilt after damage from windstorms, and a new sanctuary replaced the one lost in a 1949 fire. The congregation changed its name to "Grace Methodist Church" in the 1950s. #10927
317 S. Austin, Bremond, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #10904
Joseph and Catherine Bartula. Born in Poland, Joseph (1840-1919) and Catherine (1841-1907) Bartula overcame many hardships after migrating to Texas in 1873. They became the first Polish settlers in Robertson County in 1875. Assisted by J. C. and Mary Roberts, on whose farm he worked, Bartula wrote letters urging other Polish immigrants to join him. Soon 50 families arrived from Poland and 60 moved here from the Marlin area. By 1885, the town of Bremond had the largest Polish settlement in Texas, 345 families. Bartula later bought his own farm and became a leader in community and church affairs. The Bartulas had ten children. (1975) #10904
?, Bremond, TX, United States