Near Caldwell in Burleson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Belltown Community

Photographed by James Hulse, March 14, 2025

1. Belltown Community Marker

Inscription. During reconstruction, emancipated African Americans established rural settlements where they would be free to live, work and worship. Edmond Bell and his wife, Vina, and the families of their children, Simon, Henry, John, William M., Harriet and Edmond Jr., moved here starting in 1867, followed by other families along Yegua Creek and its tributaries. Most families were farmers, and the community shared a sorghum molasses mill on the land of William E. Bell, a son of Simon and Ellen. Community institutions included Sulphur Springs School (1888-1960s), churches (St. Paul A.Μ.Ε., Providence Baptist, and Church of Christ), a grocery store, and cemeteries. Community celebrations, gatherings and other activities have become the cherished heritage of descendants of the early settlers.

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23355.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.

Location. 30° 26.16′ N, 96° 48.835′ W. Marker is near Caldwell, Texas, in Burleson County. It is on Farm to Market Road 696 0.9 miles north of State Road 21, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located

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along the highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1100 FM 696, Caldwell TX 77836, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

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 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Chisholm Cattle Trail (approx. 0.9 miles away); Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 0.9 miles away); Site of El Camino Real (approx. 1½ miles away); a different marker also named Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 2.1 miles away); Deanville (approx. 3.6 miles away); St. John's Lutheran Church (approx. 3.7 miles away); a different marker also named Kings Highway Camino Real — Old San Antonio Road (approx. 3.7 miles away); Old Dime Box (approx. 5.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Caldwell.

The view of the Belltown Community Marker along the highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, March 14, 2025

2. The view of the Belltown Community Marker along the highway

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 15, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 401 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 15, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2. submitted on March 16, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.