Rockdale in Milam County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Springfield Missionary Baptist Church

Photographed By James Hulse, November 12, 2022

1. Springfield Missionary Baptist Church Marker

Inscription. Members established this church in 1872, under the guidance of the Rev. Riley Williams. Though buildings have changed, the congregation still gathers on the same land they met on that year. Members have emphasized outreach through both local programs and more encompassing missions work. They have also contributed to the community by working with various churches and associations and by producing annual programs. Additionally, the church has served as a focal point for social and religious gatherings in the African American community. Founded shortly after the town of Rockdale, the church continues to be a positive force in the community.

Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13527.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 30° 39.242′ N, 96° 59.784′ W. Marker is in Rockdale, Texas, in Milam County. Marker is at the intersection of East 3rd Street and Plum Street, on the right when traveling east on East 3rd Street. The marker is located in front of the church. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 232 East 3rd Street, Rockdale TX 76567, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Historic African American Businesses (about 400 feet

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away, measured in a direct line); Jewish Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old City Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Railroads in Rockdale (approx. ¼ mile away); International & Great Northern Railroad Passenger Depot (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Mundine Hotel (approx. 0.3 miles away); First Baptist Church of Rockdale (approx. 0.3 miles away); George Sessions Perry (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rockdale.

Also see . . . Rockdale, TX. Texas State Historical Association Qq

Rockdale is at the intersections of U.S. Highway 79 and Farm roads 908 and 487, thirteen miles south of Cameron in southern Milam County. In 1873 George Green, B. F. Ackerman, and Frank Smith sold 400 acres of land to the International-Great Northern Railroad, which was laying track from Hearne to Austin. A sale of town lots was held on September 3, 1873, and the track was completed to Rockdale in early February 1874. The new town was named by Mrs. B. F. Ackerman for a nearby rock, which was twelve feet high and had a circumference of
Photographed By James Hulse, November 12, 2022

2. The Springfield Missionary Baptist Church and Marker
twenty feet. Rockdale was incorporated in 1878 and established an aldermanic government. The first major railroad town in Milam County, Rockdale quickly developed as a shipping and supply point for area farmers, who produced cotton, wool, vegetables, fruits, grain, hides, and livestock.

(Submitted on November 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 111 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 17, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.