San Salvador, a mission of St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Bryan, was named for the patron saint of Cefalu, Sicily, the native village of Italian immigrants who came here in 1894. Religious services were held in homes until 1908, when devout families . . . — — Map (db m187394) HM
Also known as the Old Tunis Cemetery, this burial ground originally served a pioneer area of the fertile Brazos Valley. Graves date from the 1840s, and John and Sarah Wright Echols formally set aside land in 1867 for this graveyard and a Baptist . . . — — Map (db m220019) HM
Destructive Brazos River floods have often plagued residents of Burleson County. In 1899, a 30-inch rain killed 35 and caused about $9 million in property damage. Again in 1900, 1902 and 1908 Brazos River bottom inhabitants endured serious . . . — — Map (db m135747) HM
Farmed early as 1744 by Indians under guidance of Spanish missionaries. In 1830, Ft. Tenoxtitlan, guarding Brazos crossing, San Antonio Road, attracted Anglo-Texans, who lived off wild game in early years.
County created and organized in 1846. . . . — — Map (db m129339) HM
In rich Brazos River basin; had settlers early as 1825. Site in 1830 of Tenoxtitlan, one of 3 forts built by Mexico in Texas, situated above El Camino Real (The King's Highway) crossing on Brazos River. North of the road was Sterling Robertson's . . . — — Map (db m201845) HM
During World War II, out of a population of 18,000 close to 1300 men and women from Burleson County joined the military, with 450 who attended Caldwell High School drafted or voluntarily enlisted. Many had never been outside the county before their . . . — — Map (db m125665) HM
On Feb. 23, 1861, citizens voted for secession, 422 to 84. On March 1, the "Burleson Guards" organized and offered its services to the state. Most "Guards" were mustered into Co.G, 2nd Texas Infantry Regt., and others served in Walker's Texas . . . — — Map (db m125671) HM
With more than 2,700 burials, this cemetery is a significant reflection of the heritage of Caldwell and Burleson County. It began as a Masonic cemetery in 1890 when Warren Lodge No. 56 purchased land here for that purpose. There already were at . . . — — Map (db m210791) HM
On January 24, 1903, a group of local businessmen under the direction of J. J. Lane and C. C. Nelms met for the purpose of establishing a National Bank. The thirty original stock subscribers who attended pledged $25,000 in organizational capital and . . . — — Map (db m150939) HM
The Chisholm Trail, which was developed following the Civil War, allowed Texas cattle to be driven to railheads in Kansas for shipment to eastern markets. An arm of the celebrated route, reaching from Matagorda County to the main trail near present . . . — — Map (db m135746) HM
In 1840 the Republic of Texas Congress annexed to Milam County all of Washington County north of Yegua Creek and west of the Brazos River. The name Caldwell, which honored Mathew "Old Paint" Caldwell, a noted pioneer and a signer of the Texas . . . — — Map (db m125666) HM
Founded 1840 by Lewis L. Chiles, a veteran of Battle of San Jacinto. Named for Mathew "Old Paint" Caldwell, Indian fighter and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. This was county seat, Milam County, in 1845; since 1846 county seat of . . . — — Map (db m204264) HM
Founded about 1840 where colonial road from southeast crossed San Antonio Road.
Settler Gabriel Jackson had two-story log cabin-trading post here. Community was named for Silas L. Cooke, who surveyed much land in this vicinity. It is now a . . . — — Map (db m125653) HM
Rudolph and Anna Duewall established a family farm here in the 1880s upon moving to Burleson County. Their son Edward (1885-1944) and his wife, Lizzie (Herrmann) (1890-1947), continued the farm operations. In 1928, they built this house on the site . . . — — Map (db m210799) HM
When Mexican Dictator Santa Anna revoked national rights, 30 or more men from this sparsely settled area left to resist his armies: in Grass Fight (Nov. 26, 1835), Siege of Bexar (Dec. 5-9) and other actions. While able men were absent, the foe . . . — — Map (db m201851) HM
First Methodist Church in the county. Began as Sunday School in home of Isaac Addison, early settler. Later moved to home of Mrs. Elizabeth Scott. Organized about 1839 by Robt. Alexander, famous pioneer minister. Soon a small, hand-hewn frame . . . — — Map (db m129340) HM
Originally named Dove Church. Organized May 4, 1843, in home of Laban Rice, one of six charter members. Noted frontier ministers R.E.B. Baylor and Noah Byars presided at founding, and Byars served as first pastor.
First building (1844) stood on . . . — — Map (db m204221) HM
This congregation was organized by the Rev. Hugh Wilson, an early Presbyterian missionary noted for his active work on the Texas frontier. Although the first account of the church appears in an 1850 document, it is likely that the congregation was . . . — — Map (db m204236) HM
Congregation, organized 1840, is one of the oldest in Texas. It was one of 12 appointments on Nashville Circuit, Galveston District, Republic of Texas. Early worship was in various temporary structures. Here, in 1841, the Republic gave this church a . . . — — Map (db m204225) HM
Founded by Mexico as a bulwark against Anglo-American immigration, this fort and its nearby city were twice proposed for the capital of Texas.
Alarmed by the influx of Anglo settlers into Texas, Mexico in 1830 sought to erect a line of forts to . . . — — Map (db m129343) HM
Born in Tennessee c. 1836-37, John Mitchell came to Texas in 1846. He began purchasing land in this area in 1870, the same year he married Viney Cox. As a member of both the 12th and 14th Legislatures, Mitchell championed increased educational . . . — — Map (db m125669) HM
Kings Highway - Camino Real - Old San Antonio Road.
Marked by The Daughters of The American Revolution and the State of Texas A.D. 1918 — — Map (db m222168) HM
Kings Highway Camino Real Old San Antonio Road
Marked by The Daughters of The American Revolution and The State of Texas A.D. 1918 — — Map (db m222390) HM
Kings Highway Camino Real Old San Antonio Road
Marked by The Daughters of The American Revolution and The State of Texas A.D. 1918 — — Map (db m222393) HM
Kings Highway Camino Real Old San Antonio Road
Marked by The Daughters of The American Revolution and The State of Texas A.D. 1918 — — Map (db m222396) HM
This Flagpole is dedicated to the war veterans who are buried in the Masonic Cemetery. The Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam. It is made possible through the combined efforts of the Caldwell Cemetery . . . — — Map (db m210795) WM
Situated where the Old San Antonio Road crossed the Brazos River, this public ferry was begun by Michael Boren (1806-75) about 1846. The ferry and a settlement nearby were named for Daniel Moseley (1787-1856), who took over the service in 1849 and . . . — — Map (db m68684) HM
Noted pioneer leader. Member Virginia House of Delegates (1844-45). Piloted to Texas (1854) a mile-long wagon train of 200 people, who built Salem Baptist Church - reminder of their Virginia home.
Broaddus debated the Hon. Sam Houston at . . . — — Map (db m125652) HM
About 1870 this area of Burleson County was settled by Czech-Moravian immigrants in search of fertile land and the religious freedom denied them in their native European homeland. Informal services were held twice a year in the family home of Joseph . . . — — Map (db m220013) HM
New Tabor was settled by Czech and German immigrants in the 1870s and 1880s. It was named for the community of Tabor in Czechoslovakia. In February 1888, Henry Ginzel sold 3 1/4 acres of land for a cemetery to trustees F. Jurcak, G. Hnilica and J. . . . — — Map (db m220014) HM
Created in 1840 (same year Caldwell was laid out) when lots 3 and 12 were made a "Grave Yard and Church lot" forever.
Town founder Lewis L. Chiles (d.1864) is buried here. Oldest legible stone is for Margarette A. King and infant daughter . . . — — Map (db m201847) HM
According to oral tradition, this cemetery has served residents of the Providence area since the 1830s. The earliest marked grave is that of Elizabeth Hughes, who died in 1841, but the presence of unmarked graves suggests that the burial ground was . . . — — Map (db m220017) HM
Burleson County was established in 1846 with Caldwell as the county seat. By the late 1840s Caldwell had a population of about three hundred. Local Masons began organizing and in October 1848 nine Freemasons petitioned George M. Patrick, Grand . . . — — Map (db m204219) HM
A leader in Texas colonization, Alexander Thomson, Jr., was born in St. Matthew's Parish, South Carolina, the only son of Alexander and Lucy (Fontaine) Thomson. He later lived in Georgia before moving to Tennessee. There, in 1830, he became a . . . — — Map (db m210613) HM
Colonial statesman, Methodist lay leader, pioneer in Burleson County. Came to Texas in 1822 from Kentucky. Had office of surveyor, Austin's Colony, 1823 - 1836; was a military officer in Indian conflicts and also Army of Gen. Sam Houston during . . . — — Map (db m210617) HM
Settled by Alexander Thomson, Jr., early Texas patriot and partner of the colonizer Sterling C. Robertson. When railroad came through in 1880, the settlers moved to tracks.
Renamed, 1884, after Capt. H.C. Chriesman, surveyor for Stephen F. . . . — — Map (db m210616) HM
Founded 1872 by merchant James L. Dean (born 1841) on an arm of Chisholm Cattle Trail. The post office was established 1877. Houston & Texas Central Railroad extended line here in 1913. Sons of Hermnan (O.D.H.S.) Lodge, organized in 1916, sponsors . . . — — Map (db m219432) HM
Kings Highway Camino Real Old San Antonio Road
Marked by The Daughters of The American Revolution and The State of Texas A.D. 1918 — — Map (db m222400) HM
This church was organized by the Rev. A.H. Falkenberg and 35 charter members in 1910. Services were held in a schoolhouse until a sanctuary, containing an 800-pound bell donated by the family of John B. Luedke, Sr., was built here in 1917. The . . . — — Map (db m219434) HM
Great thoroughfare of early Texas. Following ancient Indian and buffalo paths, sometimes on same course as 1691 "Trail of the Padres", stretches 1,000 miles from Saltillo, Mexico, to present Louisiana. Highway for explorers, traders, smugglers, . . . — — Map (db m176337) HM
In 1884, several Moravian Czech families established farms in this area, naming the community Frenstat, or Friendsted, for Frenštát, Czechoslovakia, Alois and Veronica Polansky deeded 20 acres for a school, church and cemetery in 1887. . . . — — Map (db m219877) HM
In 1884, Catholic settlers from Czechoslovakia first arrived in this area. They named their settlement Frenstat for the community they had left, Frenstat Rod Radhost, Moravia. By 1887 the Rev. Joseph Chromcik regularly visited Frenstat. That year, . . . — — Map (db m219882) HM
An 1878 railway work camp; in 1880 became town of Lyon's Station, named for site donor, W.A. Lyon. Soon had 3 cotton gins, an oil mill, many businesses. In 1894 hosted first auto ever seen in this county, with rides for the daring. Now gateway to . . . — — Map (db m204216) HM
Organized at High Prairie (5 mi NW) before 1880. The Rev. John R. Dunn was the first pastor. After the railroad came to Lyons, moved here.
Erected 1887, this is the oldest church building in regular use in this areas. Recorded Texas . . . — — Map (db m204215) HM
Settled 1880s by Czech immigrants. First called "Sebesta's Corner". In 1895 named "Snook" for John Snook, who helped secure post office. Soon had a one-room school, a "masova schuza" (slaughterhouse), a cooperative store, and lodge for . . . — — Map (db m196633) HM
Following Emancipation in 1865, formerly enslaved African Americans established independent communities known as Freedom Colonies or Freedmen's Towns. Between 1865 and 1920, more than 500 of these settlements were established in Texas. These safe . . . — — Map (db m220060) HM
Prussian born Johann Joachim Giesenschlag (1817-80), his wife Anna (Schulze), and their children came to Texas in 1855. Settling first in Washington County, they moved to Burleson County in the 1870s and bought over 1,000 acres here. Giesenschlag . . . — — Map (db m220041) HM
Traveling preachers conducted early worship services in the Lone Oak area and in 1905, local residents organized a Baptist church in 1911. The congregation called the Rev. A.S. Broaddus as pastor. He led the church for the next 42 years, with time . . . — — Map (db m220043) HM
During the 19th century, many families from Bohemia and Moravia emigrated to Texas. They brought their Czech traditions, including beliefs of the Brethren Church, established on religious teachings of reformer Jan Hus. Settlers to this area founded . . . — — Map (db m196635) HM
Immigrants from Czechosovakia settled in this area in the 1880s. The community was originally known as Sebesta or Sebesta's Corners, after one of the early families. In the 1890s, residents renamed the settlement Snook in honor of John Snook, the . . . — — Map (db m196636) HM
In 1906 Somerville hosted the annual reunion of the Hood's Texas Brigade Association, a group established in 1872 for veterans of the celebrated Confederate unit. For two days, June 27-28, 74 veterans were honored with a celebration which included . . . — — Map (db m74293) HM
Organized 1901 by the Rev. H.G. Williams; had 29 charter members, and was in the Lyons Circuit. During first year, held prayer meetings in homes and preaching services in brush arbor lighted by members' lanterns. For weeks, evangelists operated a . . . — — Map (db m204213) HM
Jebb Lee Woods (1872-1932) came to Somerville in 1900. He began working for his uncle at the cowboy merchant store, where he sold coffins. In 1911 he became the town undertaker and started the first funeral parlor in the county. The practice of . . . — — Map (db m203939) HM
This railroad bell was given in memory of James W. Lauderdale (1854-1914), Burleson County pioneer. He came by covered wagon caravan from Mississippi to Texas. In 1888 he married Florence Brooks. They had four children: Cyrus, Davis, Charles and . . . — — Map (db m74296) HM
First shovel of earth for Somerville Dam was turned Sept. 22, 1962, by Lyndon B. Johnson then Vice President of United States.
Dam was built to control flooding on Yegua Creek in the 46 years prior to 1958, Yegua had flooded 43 times, costing . . . — — Map (db m203943) HM
Dating to 1900, this graveyard was first called the Somerville and Lyons Cemetery. Land was purchased by J.W. Lauderdale to establish a cemetery upon the death of his two-year-old son Charles on November 6, 1900. The name was changed to Oaklawn . . . — — Map (db m204214) HM
Fred Harvey, a native of England, began operation of his Santa Fe Railroad dining rooms in 1876. In 1900 a Harvey House opened in Somerville, Divisional Headquarters of the Santa Fe Line. The 2-story, galleried structure was 260 ft. long and . . . — — Map (db m74294) HM
Located where two branches of the Gulf, Colorado & Santa Fe Railway joined, town was named for Albert Somerville, first president of the railroad. First settlers arrived after town was surveyed about 1883; the post office was permanently established . . . — — Map (db m74295) HM
Emerging from the Great Depression, the Somerville school board partnered with the Works Progress Administration (WPA) to build a football stadium. Known as "The Rock," the stadium was designed by Travis Broesche in the Rustic style of architecture. . . . — — Map (db m117792) HM
Born on Sept. 16, 1922, in Texas City, Thomas J. Gary, Jr. attended Somerville Junior High in the 1930s. He returned to Texas City and, in 1940, at age 18, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. A seaman second class, Gary was assigned to the USS California, . . . — — Map (db m203910) HM
As the Somerville Independent School District (SISD) emerged from the great depression, the school board filed a Works Progress Administration project proposal on October 3, 1938, to build a gymnasium. The proposal was accepted and construction on . . . — — Map (db m203941) HM
In 1690 the Spanish gave the name "San Francisco" to this 62-mile Brazos River tributary; but on an 1822 map, Stephen F. Austin, "Father of Texas", marked it "Yegua", Spanish for "mare". Mustang mares and foals then grazed among the Indians on the . . . — — Map (db m74292) HM
