On Center Avenue at Austin Avenue on Center Avenue.
It is estimated that the song “Hey Paula” has been played almost every day somewhere in the world since it was recorded in the fall of 1962. The song and its performers, Paul and Paula, exhibited the “Universal Lovers” image and theme that was . . . — — Map (db m220768) HM
On Morris Sheppard Drive at Crockett Drive, on the left when traveling east on Morris Sheppard Drive.
The 10.5 cm leFH 18 (German: leichte Feldhaubitze "light field howitzer") is a German light howitzer used in World War II and the standard artillery piece of the Wehrmacht, adopted for service in 1935 and used by all divisions and artillery . . . — — Map (db m247836) HM
On Burnett Road south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Joe Henry (J.H.) Childs was born in Cross Plains on 17 January 1920. He attended Cross Plains schools where he was an outstanding athlete in multiple sports. He graduated from Cross Plains High School in 1938 and played on the freshman football team . . . — — Map (db m247986) HM
On Burnett Road at Morris Sheppard Drive on Burnett Road.
The 8cm kanon vz. 30 (canon model 30) was Czech field gun used in World War II. It was in service from 1930-1945. Gun captures after the German invasion of Czechoslovakia in March 1939 were taken into Wehrmacht service as the 8cn FK 30(t). It was . . . — — Map (db m247838) HM
Near East Commerce Street west of Kelcy Way, on the right when traveling west.
Lednicky Park is named in honor of Ben Lednicky, for his
work on the roadside parks of Texas.
Lednicky began his career with the Texas Highway
Department after graduating from Texas A&M University
in 1937. His career was dedicated to the . . . — — Map (db m246097) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Brigadier General (BG) Stephen D. Korenek was born on 7 September 1946. He began his 35 year Army career as a distinguished military graduate from Texas A&M University on 25 May 1968. He was commissioned an Infantry Second Lieutenant and completed . . . — — Map (db m248194) HM WM
On South Greenleaf Street at East Adams Street, on the right when traveling north on South Greenleaf Street.
One of ten children, Brooke Smith was born in 1853 to Paulina Thilman (Doswell) and John Snelson Smith, Jr. In Hanover County, Virginia. The family moved to Indiana in 1860 and then to Waco, Texas ten years later. There, Brooke became a clerk at . . . — — Map (db m220761) HM
On East Commerce Street, on the right when traveling south.
Created August 27, 1856; Organized March 21, 1857. Named for Capt. Henry S. Brown; came to Texas in 1824; Indian trader and fighter, commanded a company at the Battle of Velasco, member of the Convention of 1832; county seat, Brownwood 1856; moved . . . — — Map (db m220746) HM
On North Broadway Street at North Center Avenue, on the right when traveling west on North Broadway Street.
In 1901, Brown County commissioners determined their 1881 jail no longer met the needs of the county, and voters authorized the issuance of bonds to pay for the construction of a new facility. The commissioners hired Martin, Moodie and Co. of . . . — — Map (db m201806) HM
On East Depot Street, 0.1 miles east of South Greenleaf Street.
Built in 1914 immediately east of the Brownwood Santa Fe Railroad Depot, this was one of a series of restaurants operated along the Santa Fe line by the Fred Harvey Company, product of railroad agent Fred Harvey's idea to provide superior food and . . . — — Map (db m220757) HM
Santa Fe Railroad Depot
has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of the Interior
1976
Brownwood Santa Fe Passenger Depot
Railroad construction began in Brown County in 1884, and . . . — — Map (db m201803) HM
Near Crockett Drive at Memorial Park Drive, on the right.
The original Camp Bowie was a World War I training
camp near Fort Worth, Texas. On September 19, 1940,
the U.S. War Department authorized construction
of a new "Camp Bowie" near Brownwood. On
September 27, 1940 work began on the site. The . . . — — Map (db m246099) HM
On South Broadway Street at Fisk Avenue, on the right when traveling west on South Broadway Street.
Located 13 mi. southwest, this camp was one of a chain of Texas frontier posts a day's horseback ride apart from the Red River to the Rio Grande. Occupied by the Texas Frontier Regiment. Patrols and scouting parties frequently sent out kept Indian . . . — — Map (db m220747) HM
John Wesley Hardin was one of the most notorious outlaws of the old west and Charlie Webb was a Brown County sheriff's deputy who was shot and killed by Hardin. Charlie Webb was a Texas Ranger and served Brown and San Saba Counties. In 1874 Webb had . . . — — Map (db m248265) HM
On Austin Avenue (Farm to Market Road 2524) at Avenue D, on the right when traveling north on Austin Avenue.
The oldest "Educational Building" in constant use in Texas. Built by Modie and S.R. Coggin, it was opened in 1876 as Coggin Academy.
It became Daniel Baker College in 1889, being used for classrooms and home for Dr. B.T. McClelland, founder of . . . — — Map (db m248288) HM
On South Broadway Street at North Center Avenue, on the left when traveling west on South Broadway Street.
Brothers Samuel R. Coggin (1831-1915) and Moses J. "Mody" Coggin (1824-1902), prominent area ranchers, business leaders, and philanthropists, in partnership with businessman William Claibourne "Clay" Parks (1883-1916) completed this two-story . . . — — Map (db m220748) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Corporal Kennith W Wheeler, USMC, was born in Brownwood on December 20, 1945 to Mr. and Mrs. Alvie I Wheeler from May. He graduated from May High School in 1964. He was the most decorated big country soldier in the Vietnam War. He was killed in . . . — — Map (db m248147) HM WM
On North Fisk Avenue near South Broadway Street, on the right when traveling north.
Brown County, created in 1856 and organized two years later, has had four courthouses. Pioneer settler Welcome William Chandler donated land for the first courthouse, a log cabin. The county moved the building twice, first two miles to the Billy . . . — — Map (db m125933) HM
On Austin Avenue (Farm to Market Road 2524) at Avenue D, on the right when traveling north on Austin Avenue.
Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and named for early Texas circuit-riding minister Daniel Baker (1791-1857), this institution was founded in 1888 by the Rev. Brainard Taylor McClelland: (1845-1901). The college officially was chartered on . . . — — Map (db m248275) HM
On Austin Avenue at Avenue C, on the right when traveling north on Austin Avenue.
Mary Elizabeth (Mollie) Wright Armstrong was instrumental in establishing optometry as a profession in Texas during the first half of the 20th century. A native of Bell County, she briefly attended Baylor Female College in Belton, where she met her . . . — — Map (db m248289) HM
On Bailey Street at Beaver Street, on the left when traveling east on Bailey Street.
Rev. Emanuel Henderson (c.1856-1913), an African American Methodist Episcopal minister, was a circuit-riding preacher between Brownwood and Groesbeck for the West Texas Conference of the M.E. Church. In 1902, citizens of the Bailey Addition met to . . . — — Map (db m248293) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
One of the most consequential missions of WWII was the first daylight bombing of Berlin, the most heavily defended target in Europe. The Germans did not believe it could be done. A small group of U.S. bombers and fighters proved them wrong, and two . . . — — Map (db m248193) HM
Greenleaf Fisk, a pioneer who later would be known as the "Father of Brownwood," gave the city five acres in 1868 for a public burial ground. It is now the Main City Cemetery of Brownwood. The original main gate to the cemetery was given by the . . . — — Map (db m248268) HM
On South Broadway Street west of North Fisk Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Donor of present townsite of Brownwood, Fisk was noted as a soldier, public servant, surveyor and businessman. The son of English parents, he was born in New York. As a boy he was so studious that he voluntarily gave up recess periods to read. In . . . — — Map (db m126061) HM
A native of Virginia, Henry Ford (c.1845-1910) came to Texas in 1869 and worked as a cowboy on several central Texas ranches. He settled in Brownwood in 1876 and served several terms as county clerk and as a city councilman. A respected civic . . . — — Map (db m248274) HM
On Center Avenue at Austin Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Center Avenue.
The Pecan Valley Baptist Association was formed by representatives of Baptist congregations in this area in September 1876. Meeting at Indian Creek in June 1889, the association acted on an executive committee resolution calling for the creation of . . . — — Map (db m220749) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
The American Legion was established on March 15, 1919 and was granted a national charter by Congress in September, 1919 to help the 2 million veterans who served in Europe in World War One. The American Legion is our nations largest wartime veterans . . . — — Map (db m248185) HM WM
On Center Avenue at Depot Street, on the right when traveling south on Center Avenue.
Brownwood businessman and civic leader J.A. Walker (d. 1944) built this home in 1901. A prominent Texas Baptist, he was an early benefactor to Howard Payne University. The Colonial Revival styling of the Walker home reflects his status as a leader . . . — — Map (db m220751) HM
On U.S. 377 at County Road 233, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 377.
Born Callie Russell Porter in Indian Creek, Katherine Anne Porter moved to Hays County with her family following her mother's death in 1892. She left Texas in 1915 and worked as an actress, teacher, reporter, and publicist in such places as Chicago, . . . — — Map (db m220752) HM
On Beaver Street at Cordell Street, on the left when traveling north on Beaver Street.
Named for Bishop Benjamin Franklin Lee (1841-1926), Lee Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1888. Led by the Rev. George E. Smith, who also organized the first school for Blacks in Brownwood, the congregation first held . . . — — Map (db m248291) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Lieutenant General (LTG) James "Terry" Scott was born on 17 August 1942. He graduated from Coleman High School in 1960 and from Texas A&M University in 1964. He was commissioned as an Army Infantry officer. LTG Scott's 32 years of military . . . — — Map (db m248213) HM WM
On Burnett Road south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
L.D. Cox, a survivor of one of the most tragic disasters in US Navy history, was born on 12 April 1926 in Sidney, Texas. He graduated from Sidney High School and joined the Navy in 1944. L.D. served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis (CA-35) . . . — — Map (db m248141) HM WM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) John (Jake) Spearman Palmer Jr was born in Brown county on 26 January 1902. He went to school in Brown County and graduated with a civil engineering degree from Texas A&M&m in 1923. He joined the Texas National Guard 36th . . . — — Map (db m247843) HM WM
On Crockett Drive at Morris Sheppard Drive, on the right when traveling north on Crockett Drive.
The M44 was an American-made self-propelled 155 mm howitzer based on the M41 Walker Bulldog tank chassis, first introduced in the early 1950s. Flaws in its design prevented it from seeing action in the Korean War, but the type went on to serve in . . . — — Map (db m247830) HM
On Crockett Drive at Morris Sheppard Drive, on the right when traveling north on Crockett Drive.
The M60, the first American main battle tank entered service in 1960. it succeeded the M48 Sherman Tank, providing increased operation range and mobility while only requiring minimum refueling and servicing. The M6043 is a fully tracked heavily . . . — — Map (db m247832) HM
On Burnett Road south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Major Billy T Branch is member #25 in the Force Recon Association and is on the board of directors. Historically, Force Recon was the premiere Marine Corps Special Operations Unit, performing deep reconnaissance and direct action clandestine . . . — — Map (db m248091) HM WM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
James Earl Rudder was born on 6 May 1910 and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1932. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserve. In 1933, he worked as a football coach and teacher at Brady High School. He was called to . . . — — Map (db m248207) HM
On Burnett Road south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Jack Leo Carlson was born in Brownwood on 20 August 1917 to Torje Carlson and Vertna Ragsdale Carlson. He graduated from Brownwood High School in 1935 and graduated from Texas Tech University where he was on the college golf team. Jack joined the US . . . — — Map (db m248008) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Marvin Lee "Lefty" Gardner was born on 10 September 1921. He joined the Army Air Corps at age 21. Lefty flew 34 missions in the European theater in World War II in B-24s and B-17s and received the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three oak . . . — — Map (db m247844) WM
On Burnett Road south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
We honor military families and spouses of all soldiers, sailors, airman, and marines. All military families and spouses have the recurring nightmare of the dreaded military vehicle driving to their door with the chaplain to inform them of their . . . — — Map (db m248016) WM
On Burnett Road south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Norman John Sheril Chesser was born on 12 February 1919, graduated from Indian Creek High School in Brown County, and attended Daniel Baker College in Brownwood. He was stationed in the Philippine Islands when Pearl Harbor was attacked by the . . . — — Map (db m248144) HM WM
On Burnett Road south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
This heavy howitzer was in service from 1939-1951 and served with Italy during World War II. Weighing 12,000 pounds, this piece of artillery came in three models: the 37, 41, & 42. The barrel Length was 9.95 feet long and shell weighed 93.8 pounds. . . . — — Map (db m248018) HM
On East Depot Street, 0.1 miles east of South Greenleaf Street.
The 142nd Infantry Band of the 36th division of the U. S. Army began during the first World War. Band leader R. Wright Armstrong reformed the group in Brownwood in Nov. 1921. They played at such notable events as American Legion Conventions in New . . . — — Map (db m220759) HM
On State Highway 45, 0.3 miles west of County Road 237, on the right when traveling east.
During World War II, Camp Bowie housed several thousand German prisoners of war. The first arrivals, many of whom were troops from General Rommel's division in North Africa, came in 1943. The U.S. Army allowed the prisoners to write and receive . . . — — Map (db m220763) HM
On Center Avenue, 0.1 miles south of Depot Street, on the right when traveling south.
This Colonial Revival residence was constructed in 1904-05 by R. B. Rogers (d. 1935), a prominent local merchant and an active church and civic leader. The elaborate styling of the home features a distinctive two-story balconied portico with massive . . . — — Map (db m220753) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Rear Admiral Jeffrey A Lemmons is Brownwood's highest ranking veteran. Rear Admiral Lemmons was born on 25 May 1957 to Carol and Joe Lemmons. He graduated from Brownwood High School in 1975 and received a Congressional Appointment to the United . . . — — Map (db m248214) HM WM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Robert "Cotton" Tuggle Jr (4 January 1925 - 15 April 1945) graduated from Brownwood High School in 1942 and enlisted in the Navy in 1943. He was nicknamed "Cotton" because of the color and texture of his hair. Robert's experiences growing up in . . . — — Map (db m248146) HM WM
Born in Parker County, Robert Ervin Howard grew up in the Brown and Callahan County communities of Cross Cut, Cross Plains, and Brownwood. He attended Brownwood High School and Howard Payne College, and published his first works of fiction in school . . . — — Map (db m248264) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
Roy Eldon "Buck" White was born in Brownwood on 28 February 1900. He changed his date of birth so he could enlist in the Navy on 20 April 1917 when he was only 17 years old. Fireman Second Class White was on the USS Alcedo when it was sunk by a . . . — — Map (db m247848) HM WM
On Hall Street at Almond Street, on the right when traveling south on Hall Street.
George Smith, born a slave in Virginia, and later a Buffalo Soldier and school trustee in Tom Green County, arrived in Brownwood in 1885 and established the town's first school for African-American children. His home and yard on Dale Street became . . . — — Map (db m248294) HM
On Hall Street at Almonds Street, on the right when traveling south on Hall Street.
George E. Smith, a former Buffalo Soldier and elder came to Brownwood from Fort Concho in San Angelo in the early 1880's and established a school for Black children. In the beginning, school was held in various buildings and the local Black . . . — — Map (db m248295) HM
On Burnett Road south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
S.J. "Skipper" Howard Jr. was born on 15 November 1913. He is a member of the Daniel Baker College Hillbilly Hall of Honor. Daniel Baker College was a Presbyterian College founded in Brownwood in 1889. Daniel Baker consolidated with Howard Payne . . . — — Map (db m247982) HM
On Burnett Road at Memorial Park Drive, on the left when traveling south on Burnett Road.
Huge World War II training base, Camp Bowie was a home of the "Texas" 36th Division and trained many other units, including the "Dixie" 31st, 4th, and 13th Armored; and 113th Cavalry. It was also Seventh Headquarters of Special Troops, Fourth Army. . . . — — Map (db m220754) HM
On Center Avenue at Austin Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Center Avenue.
Founder of Howard Payne University, John David Robnett (1845-1898) was born in Missouri, where he was educated at Westminster and William Jewell colleges and was ordained to the Baptist ministry.
In 1883, Robnett was called to serve as pastor . . . — — Map (db m220766) HM
On Center Avenue at Austin Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Center Avenue.
Noah T. Byars (1808-1888) played an integral role in the establishment of the Baptist denomination in Texas. Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he arrived in Texas in the early 1830s and set up a blacksmith/gunsmith shop at . . . — — Map (db m220764) HM
On Burnett Road at Morris Sheppard Drive on Burnett Road.
Designed and built by FMC Corporation from 1954-1959. The M59 was amphibious with two engines from General Motors Corporation. The M59 was used as an ambulance, load carrier, and command vehicle. Experimental models included a flamethrower, . . . — — Map (db m247839) HM
On Crockett Drive south of Memorial Park Drive, on the right when traveling north.
When the American Veterans of Foreign Service, organized in 1899, and the National Society of the Army of the Philippines, organized in 1898, merged in 1914, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States was created. The Veterans of Foreign Wars . . . — — Map (db m248145) HM WM
On North Broadway Street near North Center Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Credited with being the first permanent settler and first farmer in Brown County, Welcome William Chandler (1813-1870) arrived in 1856 with his wife Sarah, their children and several slaves. Their log cabin was a gathering place for other area . . . — — Map (db m220771) HM
On Morris Sheppard Drive at Crockett Drive, on the left when traveling east on Morris Sheppard Drive.
This Japanese weapon was designed for long range fire. Distinctive features include the pronounced length of sleigh and the three step interrupted breechblock. The recoil system is hydro pneumatic. Types of projectiles used are high explosive, . . . — — Map (db m247834) HM
Near County Road 525, 0.6 miles south of Farm to Market Road 1647.
William W. and Pency (Williams) Heflin settled here in 1875. According to local tradition the first burial was that of a child who died in 1876 from eating wild berries as his family camped on the Heflins’ property. The earliest marked grave is . . . — — Map (db m89618) HM
On Early Boulevard (U.S. 67/377) at Williams Drive, on the left when traveling east on Early Boulevard.
A native of Kentucky, Walter Urie Early (1868-1939) moved to Brownwood in 1893. He became a respected local attorney and in 1895 was elected city attorney. He was county attorney from 1900 to 1906, and served as district attorney from 1906 to . . . — — Map (db m72288) HM
On U.S. 183, 0.1 miles south of County Road 478, on the right when traveling south.
Methodists in this area were initially served by circuit-riding preachers. First to come to the region in the 1860s was the Rev. Hugh M. Childress, and worship services were held in private homes. In 1882, the Rev. Peter Gravis organized Mt. Zion . . . — — Map (db m85759) HM
On U.S. 183, 0.1 miles north of County Road 485, on the right when traveling north.
Originally part of a Mexican land grant given to Empresario John Cameron in 1827. May developed in the 1870s when several pioneer families settled here. Baptists and Methodists quickly organized churches. A one-room school known as Old Swayback . . . — — Map (db m89617) HM
This cemetery originally served pioneer settlers of the Wolf Valley community, which began about 1875. The earliest grave is that of S.T. Tollette, who was buried here May 11, 1882. Also buried that same month were James Lyon and R.P. Ramsey. The . . . — — Map (db m89616) HM
On U.S. 183 at County Road 275 when traveling north on U.S. 183.
The organizational meeting for this congregation was held at the home of John J. Driskill in 1886. The twelve charter members were first led by Pastor J.B. Greenfield, who served only one month, and then by J.A. Jarrett. The Baptist fellowship . . . — — Map (db m89651) HM
The unincorporated town of Zephyr, located on land granted to early settlers Benjamin Head and Felix Wardziski, was established in the 1860s. As the settlement grew, a school was opened in the 1870s, and churches and businesses were established. . . . — — Map (db m89654) HM
On Farm to Market Road 218 at County Road 281, on the left when traveling east on Road 218.
In 1898 John N. Coffey (1847-1919) and John Schwalm (1825-1900) deeded this site for a community tabernacle. Townspeople donated labor and material to erect this open air shelter and to rebuild it after damage from a 1909 cyclone that devastated . . . — — Map (db m89652) HM
On County Road 281 at County Road 275, on the right when traveling north on County Road 281.
The congregation of the Zephyr Presbyterian Church traces its history to 1890. In 1909 members of the church and community volunteers, with the assistance of Swiss stonemason John Chailette completed a church building. Worship services were held . . . — — Map (db m89650) HM
