Near Cologne in Goliad County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Cologne Community
As reconstruction ended and Texas Democrats regained control of local and state government, the prosperity and security gained by emancipated slaves was threatened. In 1877, Washington and Smith purchased more than five hundred acres on Perdido Creek between Victoria and Goliad. They sold portions of this land to other African Americans, and still others purchased adjacent property. A cemetery, churches and a one-room school were soon built, and a post office opened in 1898. The community was first known simply as "The Colony" but was later known as Perdido, Centerville and Ira Station. The name "Cologne" may have derived from the wishful thinking of residents who wanted to distract from the scent of the local rendering plant.
Initially, the community's economy was based largely on agriculture, but the arrival of the Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1889 allowed shipping to become a major commercial activity. Unusual for the time was an integrated depot built in the 1890s. As with many rural communities, two world wars, the Depression and urbanization caused the gradual decline of Cologne.
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16050.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 28° 42.487′ N, 97° 10.833′ W. Marker is near Cologne, Texas, in Goliad County. Marker is on Lott Road, 0.1 miles north of U.S. 59. The marker is located in front of the Cologne Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 86 Lott Road, Victoria TX 77905, 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. Site of Battle of El Perdido (approx. 3.2 miles away); Union Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 3.4 miles away); From Battlefield to Picnic Grounds (approx. 3˝ miles away); People Make a Park (approx. 3˝ miles away); Battle of Coleto and Goliad Massacre (approx. 3˝ miles away); The Centennial (approx. 3˝ miles away); A Site for the People (approx. 3˝ miles away); Fannin Battleground Memorial (approx. 3˝ miles away).
Also see . . . Cologne, TX. (Submitted on February 21, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 117 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 21, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.