Texas Historical Marker #01129
Culp Krueger. Site of Capitol of Texas September 8, 1962. Operation Home Town Program for Progress Small Towns of Texas. Culp Kreuger, Governor #1129
100 Block of Monseratte, El Campo, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01408
El Campo Library Building. The El Campo Library Association began the city's first library in 1902. A public library opened at the downtown fire station in 1927. After a branch of the Wharton County Library was established in El Campo in 1939, this facility was completed in 1940. The building exhibits characteristic elements of moderne architecture, especially in its entryway, light fixtures, and signage. The library facilities were moved in 1965, and it became a community art center in 1983. (Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1990.) #1408
201 W. Monserate, El Campo, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01411
El Campo Independent School District. El Campo's first permanent school building was a simple wooden structure built near this site about 1891. El Campo Independent School District was organized in 1895. Early schools were financed through local taxes, individual subscriptions, tuition, class fees, and bank loans. In its early history the district leased a Methodist Episcopal church building, restaurant, store, and Swedish school building as temporary classrooms. A brick schoolhouse, erected at this site in 1902, was razed in 1922 and replaced later that year with larger school facilities. By 1952 ten rural schools moved from the 1922 structure to a new facility opened during the fall of 1953. In 1961 the Crescent Independent School District merged with the district to form El Campo Consolidated Independent School District. Integration of schools in El Campo was achieved by 1968. Since the late 1950s the district has continued to construct new facilities and remodel a number of older facilities. By 1994 El Campo Independent School District's high school, middle school, and three elementary schools served an enrollment of more than 3500 students of varied ethnic and racial backgrounds. (1995) #1411
220 W Church St., El Campo, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #15948
El Campo First Baptist Church. #15948
210 Depot Street, El Campo, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #15320
First Christian Church of El Campo. #15320
?, El Campo, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01410
El Campo. Begun as a camp on the New York, Texas, and Mexican Railroad in 1882, El Campo initially was known as Prairie Switch and served as a supply and shipping center for area ranchers. By the 1890s the town had grown to include a post office, homes, businesses, schools, and churches. An influx of European immigrants produced a strong ethnic heritage. Fires in 1896 and 1901 destroyed much of the downtown area, but the city rebuilt. Oil and gas discoveries in the 1930s provided an economic boom, although agriculture remains the primary local business. #1410
315 E Jackson St., El Campo, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01795
First National Bank of El Campo. The First National Bank of El Campo traces its history to the Koch and Poole Mercantile Company. In 1890 El Campo was an exciting new railroad town. Customers left their money in the Koch and Poole safe for protection, and soon the store assumed the duties of a banking institution. A group of local businessmen purchased the company and applied for a national bank charter, which was granted in January 1902. A two-story bank building was erected on the corner of Monseratte and Post Office Street. The bank's founders were instrumental in the development of El Campo and led efforts to have the city incorporated in 1905. Providing investment capital for the rice and oil industries, which were the foundations of El Campo's economy, the bank grew with the city, survived the Great Depression, and emerged as a strong financial institution serving residents throughout Wharton County. After sixty-five years at the Monseratte St. location the bank moved to a larger facility at this site. It continues to support business, civic, and youth activities throughout the county. #1795
202 E. Jackson St., El Campo, TX, United States