Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2021

1. Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park Marker

Inscription. Rather Memorial Park is located on the home site of Rawley Samuel Rather and his wife, Mary Caroline Henry, lifetime residents of Huntsville, and their five children. In 1886 the family built a single-story Victorian home to which a second story was added later. Mr. Rather owned a livery stable with horses, buggies and wagons for rent or for sale; operated a mail route; owned the Pacific Express Company transporting goods, freight and people from the railroad junction at Phelps, Texas, to Huntsville and other nearby towns; and was an entrepreneur promoting many new enterprises for community expansion. On the city council for many years, he was the mayor of Huntsville at the time of his death in 1907.

The house was demolished in 1977. The Rather-Powell family made the site available to the City of Huntsville for a downtown park in 1979.

Erected 2008 by The Citizens of Huntsville, Texas.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 30° 43.315′ N, 95° 33.022′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. It is at the intersection of University Avenue and 13th Street,

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on the right when traveling north on University Avenue. The marker is located at the entrance to the Rather Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huntsville TX 77340, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

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,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First Meeting Site of Huntsville's Masonic Lodge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henry Opera House (about 400 feet away); Sam Houston Whittling Site (about 400 feet away); Forrest Lodge No. 19, A.F. & A.M. (about 400 feet away); Memorial Gazebo (about 500 feet away); Cornerstone of the Fourth Courthouse (about 500 feet away); The First Baptist Church (about 500 feet away); Walker County (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.

The entrance to the Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park with the marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2021

2. The entrance to the Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park with the marker

The view of the Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2021

3. The view of the Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park Marker from the street

Benches at the Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, August 21, 2021

4. Benches at the Rawley Samuel Rather Memorial Park

Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 555 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 26, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.