Beeville in Bee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Beeville on the Poesta
Long before Mexico granted land (1834) on Poesta Creek to the first settlers, Anne Burke and James Heffernan, savage Indians roamed this valley at will.
Their colony, although successful at first, soon met disaster. In 1836 James Heffernan, his brother John, and John Ryan, who had planned to join Texas patriots at Goliad, were planting a crop in a field at this site when they were massacred by Comanches. Also killed was James' family, in his picket house upcreek.
Bee County was organized in 1858 and named for Col. Barnard E. Bee, a Republic of Texas statesman. Soon after, choice of a county seat came into hot dispute. A site seven miles east, on Medio Creek, was chosen for "Beevile". But ten months later, voters made the 150-acre donation of Anne Burke O'Carroll permanent county seat, on the banks on the Poesta.
The new town, first called "Maryville" for Mary Heffernan (relative of those killed in 1836) was soon renamed Beeville. In its first decade, it had two stores, one saloon, and a blacksmith shop.
First courthouse was built for $750 on west side of present square, 1860. First railroad came through, 1866, and a larger courthouse was soon built. After it burned, the present one was erected in 1913.
Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee . (Marker Number 354.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1836.
Location. 28° 24.093′ N, 97° 44.904′ W. Marker is in Beeville, Texas, in Bee County. Marker is on Corpus Christi Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 105 West Corpus Christi Street, Beeville TX 78102, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Barnard E. Bee, Sr. (here, next to this marker); Bee County Courthouse (here, next to this marker); Beeville Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Douglas A4 Skyhawk (within shouting distance of this marker); First Brick Building on Square (within shouting distance of this marker); Bee County War Dead (within shouting distance of this marker); Praeger Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Commercial National Bank (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Beeville.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,212 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 23, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.