Near Cuero in DeWitt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Friar-Cardwell Stage Stand

Site of

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, September 20, 2018

1. Friar-Cardwell Stage Stand Marker

Inscription. In 1839 or 1840 at the junction of the La Grange - La Bahia and Victoria - Gonzales Roads (.5 miles east), Daniel Boone Friar (1800-58) built a home and store that served as a social, political, transportation, and trade center for early De Witt County. In 1841 the two-story frame structure became an overnight stop on stagecoach lines between San Antonio and coastal towns. It was designed as a temporary courthouse for the short-lived judicial county of De Witt in 1842. When the county was actually organized in 1846, the court met at Friar's place for several months. It was also the county's first post office, established on May 22, 1846, and named Cuero, with Friar as postmaster.

In 1849 Friar sold the building to Crockett Cardwell (1812-91), who continued to operate it as a stage stand, store, post office, and community meeting place. The county's first Masonic lodge, Cameron Lodge No. 76, A. F. & A. M., was organized in an upstairs room in Nov. 1850 and met there until Jan. 1853. When the Gulf, Western Texas, and Pacific Railroad located the town of Cuero four miles south of the Cardwell stand in 1873, the post office was moved to that site. As the town along the railroad grew, other activities at the old stage stand ended. It was torn down in 1916.

Erected 1974 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4802.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 22, 1846.

Location. 29° 7.877′ N, 97° 16.558′ W. Marker is near Cuero, Texas, in DeWitt County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 183 and Lakeside Drive, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 183. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cuero

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TX 77954, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Hill Country.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of Cameron First County Seat of DeWitt County (approx. 1.9 miles away); Lockhart Community Cemetery (approx. 2 miles away); Buchel Community and School (approx. 2.1 miles away); John T. Wofford Home (approx. 2.4 miles away); Alex and Clare Wofford Hamilton House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Alexander and Annie Hamilton House (approx. 2.4 miles away); Charles Goodwin Breeden (approx. 2½ miles away); Hillside Cemetery (approx. 2½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cuero.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Old Chisholm Trail (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Friar-Cardwell Stage Stand Marker Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, September 20, 2018

2. Friar-Cardwell Stage Stand Marker Area

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2018. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,426 times since then and 113 times this year. Last updated on October 29, 2018, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 24, 2018, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.