Yorktown in DeWitt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
John York and Charles Eckhardt
(1800 - 1848) and (1813 - 1852)
— Co-Founders of Yorktown: —
Photographed By James Hulse, May 31, 2021
1. John York and Charles Eckhardt Marker
Soldiers and builders of Texas.
York, born in Kentucky, came to Texas in 1821, was a captain in siege which expelled Mexican Army from Bexar, 1835. Gave site for Yorktown, 1847. Died in an Indian fight won by his men.
Eckhardt came from Germany. Fought in War for Independence and Mexican War. His mercantile and freighting interests led to founding of Yorktown on trail he had surveyed from Indianola to New Braunfels. He built the first house in Yorktown, 1848.
Erected 1966 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 924.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.
Location. 28° 58.873′ N, 97° 30.253′ W. Marker is in Yorktown, Texas, in DeWitt County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street (State Highway 72) and North Eckhardt Street, on the right when traveling west on West Main Street. The marker is located in the Yorktown City Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Yorktown TX 78164, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Yorktown (a few steps from this marker); C. Eckhardt & Sons Building (within shouting
this page online
Also see . . .
1. York, John (1800–1848).
During the Texas Revolution, the Consultation of 1835 at San Felipe appointed him a first lieutenant in the regular infantry in the Texas army. As such he participated in James W. Fannin's search in the Frio and Medina river areas in November 1835 for Domingo de Ugartechea, then bringing Mexican reinforcements to Martín Perfecto de Cos at Bexar. That same month Stephen F. Austin appointed York, along with Edward Burleson, as appraiser of horses and equipment of the Texan volunteers at Bexar. In early December 1835 York participated as a captain in the siege of Bexar. On December 20, 1835, he was elected a captain in the legion of cavalry under Lt. Col. William(Submitted on June 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)B. Travis. Source: The Handbook of TexasPhotographed By James Hulse, May 31, 20212. John York and Charles Eckhardt Marker
2. Yorktown, TX.
In February 1848 Eckhardt contracted with John A. King to survey this road via York's property and King's home on the Coleto. Many German immigrants traveled this route, the Old Indianola Trail, to settle here. York conveyed half interest in the townsite property to Eckhart and others, and the first ten settlers were promised a lot and ten acres of land gratis. Eckhardt built Yorktown's first log house in May 1848 and established the Charles Eckhardt and Sons store in 1850. Source: The Handbook of Texas(Submitted on June 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed By James Hulse, May 31, 2021
3. The view of the John York and Charles Eckhardt Marker from the parking lot of the park
Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 210 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 2, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
