Dickinson in Galveston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Townsite of Dickinson

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 13, 2024

1. Townsite of Dickinson Marker

Inscription. Oldest mainland settlement in Galveston County, named for John Dickinson, one of "Old 300" settlers in original colony (opened in 1821) of Stephen F. Austin. Townsite is on Dickinson Bayou land grant of James F. and Emily Austin Perry (brother-in-law and sister of Austin), surveyed in April 1830 by Austin and his friend Seth Ingram. Early settlers here included Alexander Farmer, who in 1831 obtained a land grant where he built home after Texas War for Independence ended in 1836; and Herman Benson, whose mid-1840s dog trot cabin still stands. Gen. E. B. Nichols, merchant, statesman, and leader in Houston-Galveston area in 1857 built summer home still standing in Dickinson.

Colonial era economy was based on agriculture and cattle raising. Toward end of 19th century, produce was shipped by eight trains a day; for a time area was known as "Strawberry Capital of the World." The Coast County Fair was held here 1895-96. Picnic and fairgrounds with exhibit building stood alongside Galveston, Houston & Henderson Railway tracks.

Community's first church (Methodist) was organized in 1876 and served by circuit riders. Dickinson Post Office was opened in March 1890; first tax-funded school, in 1892. Town remains a coastal beauty spot.

Erected 1973 by Texas State Historical Survey Committee

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. (Marker Number 7430.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1830.

Location. 29° 27.546′ N, 95° 2.932′ W. Marker is in Dickinson, Texas, in Galveston County. It is on 45th Street east of East Avenue (Texas Highway 3), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4512 State Hwy 3, Dickinson TX 77539, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also 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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dickinson City Cemetery (about 800 feet away); Faith United Methodist Church (approx. 1½ miles away); First United Methodist Church (approx. 2 miles away); The Dickinson Station of the Galveston, Houston, & Henderson Railroad Co. (approx. 2.2 miles away); League Park (approx. 4.4 miles away); a different marker also named League Park (approx. 4.4 miles away); Mainland Mission Churches (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dickinson.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, April 13, 2024

2. Townsite of Dickinson Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 415 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.