Texas Historical Marker #10546
City of Nederland. Settled by Dutch immigrants in 1897; named for their native Netherlands, which in the 1890s suffered overcrowding, wornout soil, and scant hope for prosperity. Thus when the Port Arthur Land Company (joined by Dutch businessmen) advertised the abundance of America, many families eagerly moved to this region. The new colony thrived, although torrid summers, frigid winters, and swamps prompted a few to return to Holland. Those who remained built a sound economy of farming and ranching, now largely replaced by rice-growing and industries. #10546
1516 Boston Ave., Nederland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #10517
First Baptist Church of Nederland. This congregation grew out of a revival held by a Baptist minister in the local Dutch Reformed Church. Seven charter members met in March 1907 to organize the First Baptist Church in Nederland, and the Rev. George Montgomery was called to serve as their first pastor. In the early days of the church, new members were baptized in the Neches River. Known until 1925 as Peveto Baptist Church, after faithful member Gille Peveto, First Baptist Church of Nederland has grown in numbers, and over the years has provided significant service to the community. Incise in base: Given by 1982 Silvertones Senior Adult Choir #10517
1911 Nederland Ave., Nederland, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #10520
Site of First Mercantile Building. As agent for the Port Arthur Land Company, Dutch immigrant G. W. Kilsdonk, Jr., worked to encourage people from his native Holland to settle in this area in the late 1890s. He built a number of businesses to serve the developing community, including a two-story mercantile store at this site. In addition to its function as a supply center, the Mercantile building also served as a community gathering place and meeting hall for many organizations, businesses, churches, and social groups. The original Mercantile building was destroyed by fire n 1909. #10520
1166 Boston Ave., Nederland, TX, United States