Near Fairfield in Freestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Butler Soldiers' Homes, C.S.A.

Photographed by James Hulse, May 5, 2025

1. Butler Soldiers' Homes, C.S.A. Marker

Inscription. Commissioners courts in Texas usually furnished to soldiers enlisting in the Civil War their uniforms, guns, blankets--and sometimes even their horses. The county courts also aided dependents, war orphans and widows. Further, they recognized local people who had 'soldiers' homes,' and reimbursed them for meals given men en route to and from the army on furloughs and special missions. Freestone County had at least 11 soldiers' homes. Near this site, one of 2 in Butler was run by Hillary Manning, a plantation owner.

A soldiers' home usually was set up as an act of neighborliness. The Rev. Thomas Castleton, who lived near Houston, organized many homes. Also he commended the people of Butler, Fairfield, Golaid and Hillsboro for setting up soldiers' homes of their own accord. At Christmas in 1864, Rev. Castleton received for the benefit of the soldiers donations of $100 in gold, 3 beef animals and 2 milch cows, gifts of private citizens supporting the work. He also was given a 3-story brick hotel to be used as a soldiers' home.

Other soldiers' homes were at Columbus, Crockett, Palestine and Richmond (Fort Bend County) like many other productive activities carried on voluntarily, these homes showed the concern of Texas for her men.

Erected 1965 by State historical survey committee. (Marker Number 9863.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.

Location. 31° 39.899′ N, 95° 55.625′ W. Marker is near Fairfield, Texas, in Freestone County. It is on State Highway 84 1.7 miles Farm to Market Road 489, on the left when traveling east. In a roadside park. just before FCR 301. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: roadside park, Fairfield TX 75840, United States of America.

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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 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Daniel Memorial Orphanage (approx. 1.9 miles away); Mt. Zion Methodist Church and Cemetery (approx. 7.4 miles away); Antioch Cemetery (approx. 7.6 miles away); Site of Woodhouse School (approx. 9.9 miles away); Lewis Corner (approx. 10.3 miles away); Mt. Pisgah Church and Cemetery (approx. 10½ miles away); Green Bay A.M.E. Church (approx. 10.6 miles away); Green Bay High School (approx. 10.6 miles away).

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, October 10, 2010

2. Butler Soldiers' Homes, C.S.A. Marker

Photographed by Steve Gustafson, October 10, 2010

3. Butler Soldiers' Homes, C.S.A. Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,478 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on January 15, 2012, by Debbie Lee Bohannan of San Antonio,, Texas. Photos: 1. submitted on May 7, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 2, 3. submitted on October 15, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.