Columbus in Colorado County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Harbert's Garage
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 15, 2026
1. Harbert's Garage Marker
Columbus has long been an automobile travel destination due to its location along the Old Spanish Trail. Sam Arrington Harbert (1885-1953) founded Harbert's Garage in 1913 to serve the approximately 25 motor vehicles registered in Columbus and travelers. He began selling new Dodge cars in 1916. The business expanded in 1925 to an Alamo-façade structure, and by 1928 was expanded to include a filling station, auto sales room, 25-car capacity garage and repair shop. By 1930, Harbert's Garage was a transportation hub as the Greyhound bus stop for travelers going to Houston or San Antonio. Sam was Columbus fire chief from 1920-1946. After the closing of Harbert's Garage, the building was used as a service station, transmission shop, auction house and brewery.
Erected 2024 by Texas Historical Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1913.
Location. 29° 42.38′ N, 96° 32.491′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Texas, in Colorado County.
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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: Ilse-Rau House (within shouting distance of this marker); Tate-Senftenberg-Brandon Home (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Columbus State Bank (about 300 feet away); Brick Stone House (about 300 feet away); Ehrenwerth-Ramsey-Untermeyer Building (about 300 feet away); City of Columbus (about 300 feet away); Colorado County Courthouse (about 400 feet away); Brunson Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 15, 2026
2. Harbert's Garage and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 17, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 17, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
