Waelder in Gonzales County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Hopkinsville Lodge No. 183, A.F. & A.M.
Photographed By James Hulse, December 20, 2020
1. Hopkinsville Lodge No. 183, A.F. & A.M. Marker
After migrating from his native Georgia, Dennis Sheffield Hopkins (1819-1917) founded the community of Hopkinsville (5 miles NW) in 1852. He helped organize this Masonic Lodge there in 1855. The thriving village also had a grist mill, gin, several businesses, churches, and a school. When the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad bypassed Hopkinsville during the 1870s, most residents moved to Waelder. The lodge relocated and built this meeting hall in 1882. Churches, schools, and civic groups have shared use of the structure.
Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2561.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 29° 41.631′ N, 97° 17.838′ W. Marker is in Waelder, Texas, in Gonzales County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and North East First Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waelder TX 78959, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Town of Waelder (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Leander C. Cunningham (approx. 0.6 miles away); Saturn Cemetery
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Hopkinsville, Texas. Hopkinsville's decline began when the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway was built five miles to the south, and Waelder was established in 1874. Source: The Handbook of Texas (Submitted on December 25, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
2. Freemasonry. Among the first Americans to migrate to Texas in the 1820s were a number of Masons. Source: The Handbook of Texas (Submitted on December 25, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed By James Hulse, December 20, 2020
2. Hopkinsville Lodge No. 183, A.F. & A.M. and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 295 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 25, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
