Texas Historical Marker #07431
Dickinson Station of the GH&H Railroad. Chartered by the State of Texas on February 7, 1853, the Galveston, Houston, and Henderson Railroad was the first railroad to reach the Texas Coast. A trestle was built across Galveston Bay in 1859, and passenger and freight service was initiated between Galveston and Harrisburg. The line's earliest engines were two wood-burning locomotives named "Perseverance" and "Brazos." Known as the "Old Reliable Short Line," the Galveston, Houston, and Henderson Railroad was of military importance during the Civil War and played a vital role in the South's recapture of Galveston. Two special trains, one for Sunday excursions and one for newspaper deliveries, were operating by 1877. This depot, designed by Galveston architect George B. Stowe, was built in 1902 to replace the original 1850s structure which had burned in 1900. As Dickinson became a popular location for picnics and outings, special chartered trains brought passengers here on excursions. A nearby racetrack also attracted visitors. Dickinson became a center for fruit and vegetable production in the early 1900s, and refrigerated rail cars regularly transported the goods to market. The depot was moved here from the railroad right-of-way in 1967 and adapted for use as a museum. (1987) #7431
113 FM 517, Dickinson, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #07446
First United Methodist Church of Dickinson. In 1876 a group of Methodists led by the Rev. P. E. Nicholson began meeting in private homes in the Dickinson area. In 1885 a frame building was erected for use as a church and school. The Dickinson congregation does not appear in official denominational records until 1893, when a report stated that minister was to be supplied to the church. After the first building was destroyed in the storm of 1900, a new structure was built using salvaged materials from the old church. Completed in 1901, the two-story frame building was also used as a school. In 1909 property was purchased for a third facility to be built in memory of W. E. Nolan. Additions were completed in 1935, and in 1937 the congregation received its first full-time pastor. In 1944, when the widow of church member Edwin P. Howell donated funds for a new sanctuary to be built in his memory, the name of the church was changed to Howell Memorial Methodist Church. With cornerstones from the 1909 and 1944 sanctuaries incorporated into its design, the present structure was begun in 1975. When completed, it was renamed First United Methodist Church of dickinson. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986 #7446
200 FM 817 W, Dickinson, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12744
Faith United Methodist Church. Faith United Methodist Church This congregation grew from the merger of two historically African-American Methodist congregations in Dickinson and League City. The first, Warren Chapel, was named for its founder, Richard H. Warren, who preached at the homes of Sophie Monroe and Wilimina Toussaitn in 1889 to begin the church. Regular worship services were then held in the home of Shed Slaughter. In 1900, Warren was accepted as an ordained deacon in the Methodist Church, and the following year he was appointed minister of the Dickinson Circuit, which included La Marque, Hitchcock, Dickinson and League City. Warren Chapel's first church building was constructed in 1901 with lumber that had washed ashore in the aftermath of the 1900 storm. Warren served as minister until 1904, and the congregation continued to build its membership. Winfield Chapel, founded at League City by Alex Winfield, Sr., received a donation of land about 1907 and built its first sanctuary on the site. A 1932 storm destroyed that building, and a new one was completed about 10 years later. Circuit riders held worship services for the small congregation. In December 1966, the district superintendent called a meeting to discuss a union of these two historic churches. In June 1967, the merger of Warren Chapel and Winfield Chapel as Warren-Winfield Chapel became official. Two years later, the church moved to its present location and consecrated as Faith United Methodist Church. With strength in its members, the church has developed significant programs of outreach, education and ministries. (2002) #12744
2205 Avenue G, Dickinson, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #07430
Townsite of Dickinson. Oldest mainland settlement in Galveston County, named for John Dickinson, one of "Old 300" settlers in original colony (opened in 1821) of Stephen F. Austin. Townsite is on Dickinson Bayou land grant of James F. and Emily Austin Perry (brother-in-law and sister of Austin), surveyed in April 1830 by Austin and his friend Seth Ingram. Early settlers here included Alexander Farmer, who in 1831 obtained a lang grant where he built home after Texas War for Independence ended in 1836; and Herman Benson, whose mid-1840s dog trot cabin still stands. Gen. E. B. Nichols, merchant, statesman, and leader in Houston-Galveston area in 1857 built summer home still standing in Dickinson. Colonial era economy was based on agriculture and cattle raising. Toward end of 19th century, produce was shipped by eight trains a day; for a time area was known as "Strawberry Capital of the World." The Coast County Fair was held here 1895-96. Picnic and fairgrounds with exhibit building stood alongside Galveston, Houston & Henderson Railway tracks. Community's first church (Methodist) was organized in 1876 and served by circuit riders. Dickinson Post Office was opened in March 1890; first tax-funded school, in 1892. Town remains a coastal beauty spot. #7430
?, Dickinson, TX, United States