On E Walnut Street (Farm to Market Road 1242), on the left when traveling east.
In 1881, on land owned by G.M. Dodge, the Missouri, Kansas & Texas (Katy) Railroad built a line through a new town named for Joseph Abbott, a Hill County resident, lawyer and U.S. Congressman. Winston W. Treadwell soon opened a general store managed . . . — — Map (db m59664) HM
On S. Borden near Walnut Street (Farm to Market Road 1242), on the left when traveling south.
Organized in 1876 as the Liberty Grove Baptist Church by 13 founding members, this congregation met in the Liberty Grove Schoolhouse 2 miles south of here. Renamed the Abbott Baptist Church in 1879, the church moved to Abbott in 1885. Services were . . . — — Map (db m59701) HM
On First Street near Waco Street, on the right when traveling south.
The public school system in Abbott began in 1885 when a one-story frame schoolhouse was constructed on the east side of town. It housed 140 pupils and three teachers. A two-story brick structure, built at this site in 1911, served the Abbott school . . . — — Map (db m59999) HM
On Walnut Street at Bordon Street, on the left when traveling east on Walnut Street.
The first Methodist worship service in Abbott was held in 1883 by the Rev. G. W. Swofford. A congregation soon was organized and became a regular stop on the Hillsboro circuit, with the Rev. J. P. Mussett as first pastor. By 1886 the congregation . . . — — Map (db m59993) HM
Near West Houston Street east of Interstate 35 Frontage Road, on the right when traveling east.
One of the most influential and numerous national groups to settle in Hill County, Czechs came to this area from Fayette County and the province of Moravia in Austria-Hungary. Many sought greater freedom due to barriers to attaining national status . . . — — Map (db m151065) HM
On South First Street, on the right when traveling south.
Born in Moody (McLennan Co.) on October 24, 1900, L.C. (Luke) McKamie earned degrees from Southwestern University, the University of Texas at Austin and Baylor University. L.C. and his wife, Beulah (Boots), came to Abbott in 1926, he as . . . — — Map (db m62899) HM
On Willie Nelson Road (County Highway 3102) 1.5 miles south of West Houston Street, on the right when traveling south.
In 1854 area pioneer D.C. Carr settled this ranch which covered land in both Hill and McClennan Counties. D.C. Carr and his brother J.C. had come to Texas in 1840 and were instrumental in the early growth of the nearby towns of Abbott and West. A . . . — — Map (db m220254) HM
On County Highway 2202, 0.1 miles south of Farm to Market Road 2114, on the right when traveling south.
On Oct. 19, 1872, C.A. Spivey and W.E. Anderson deeded four acres of land to James W. Scott, M.J. Britton, J.B.C. Scott, J.P. Grace, H.B. Smith, George Williams, E.R. Williams, J.H. Gamblin and J.F Anderson, Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal . . . — — Map (db m161713) HM
On Farm to Market Road 2114 at County Highway 1304, on the left when traveling west on Highway 2114.
Spivey Crossing is a farming community located along the Brazos River Valley. Established as early as 1854, Spivey Crossing was an old wagon trail crossing named for Temple Spivey, the first known settler of the Smith Bend community of Bosque . . . — — Map (db m161715) HM
On Farm to Market Road 308 at 308 Spur, on the right when traveling north on Highway 308.
Founded 1910. One of five International and Great Northern Railway stations in southern hill County.
Important agricultural market. Named for Bickham and Jerome Cartwright, descendants of settler Matthew Cartwright, whose 1856 land patent . . . — — Map (db m212087) HM
On Avenue F south of East 6th Street, on the right when traveling south.
This burial ground was established about the time the town of Blum was formed in 1881 as a stop on the newly laid track of the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway. A.J. Davis (1840-1912), a local landowner, is said to have gifted the land, . . . — — Map (db m184173) HM
On 4th Street (County Highway 67) at Avenue C (Farm to Market Road 933), on the right when traveling east on 4th Street.
Leader, Hood's Texas Brigade Band • His wife, Mollie, smuggled notes and quinine past enemy in her hair • Baileys' post war shows still flew Confederate flag • 1869 and afterwards, Gus and Mollie and nine children headquartered circus in Blum . . . — — Map (db m194309) HM
On State Highway 174, 1 mile north of County Highway 1130, on the right when traveling north.
Born in Ireland. First came to Texas, and established residence at Nacogdoches in 1791. When killed, was a resident of Natchez, Miss. killed near this site March 21, 1801 by the Spaniards. Was buried here by his Negro slaves Caesar and . . . — — Map (db m194329) HM
On State Highway 22 near Farm to Market Road 1243, on the right when traveling east.
One of earliest grist mills in Hill County. Built (1868) by Dr. Jas. T. Harrington, who also founded town of Brandon. Corn meal, basic to settlers' diet, was ground here. Dr. Harrington built a dam on White Rock Creek near here as a water source for . . . — — Map (db m62719) HM
On FM 2114 (Farm to Market Road 2114) at FM 308 (Farm to Market Road 308) when traveling west on FM 2114.
Founded by International and Great Northern Railroad in 1902. Named for child of official. Settled by Anglos and Czechs from Zee Vee, older town (1/2 mile south) founded in 1893. New town prospered; incorporated, 1913. Good well water was found in . . . — — Map (db m109829) HM
On Corsicana Street west of North Abbott Street, on the right when traveling west.
Jo Abbott and his wife, Rowena Sturgis Abbott, bought this property in 1883 and later built the house next door (west). Abbott was a county and district judge, congressman, and local banker. In 1899 this house (originally a T-plan) was on the . . . — — Map (db m59801) HM
On West Elm Street (State Highway 22 /171) near Bond's Alley, on the right when traveling west.
Local site for politics, peddlers' shows, whittling, cockfights, fisticuffs. Named for Bond's Drug Store, located here since 1881, and sheltering in bad weather people who usually sunned in alley. Early neighbors varied from a Chinese laundry to an . . . — — Map (db m60757) HM
On North Pleasant Street near East Franklin Street, on the right when traveling north.
The earliest worship service for local Disciples was conducted on September 11, 1881. Six years later the fellowship was formally chartered with 35 members. Meetings were held in private homes, the courthouse, and the schoolhouse until a sanctuary . . . — — Map (db m61001) HM
On S Waco Street (State Highway 22/171) near W Gould Street, on the right when traveling south.
In 1853, the Texas Legislature carved Hill County out of Navarro County. Named for physician and Republic of Texas Secretary of War Dr. George Washington Hill, the new county had only recently attracted Anglo settlement, following the establishment . . . — — Map (db m60160) HM
On Corsicana Highway (State Highway 22) near Walnut Hill Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Formed in 1901, the Confederate Veterans and Old Settlers Association of Hill County acquired 73 acres of wooded land as a site for its summer reunion. The 3-5 day encampment, held annually from 1902 to 1924, was an important social and recreational . . . — — Map (db m62275) HM
On West Elm Street, on the right when traveling west.
(East Face)
Hill County was organized on May 14, 1853. The courthouse square is near the geographic center of the county and has been the site for five courthouse buildings. The present building was completed in 1890. McShane Bell Factory . . . — — Map (db m61477) HM
On North Abbott Street near Corsicana Street, on the right when traveling north.
1900 Victorian Home of
Edward S. Davis, Civic
Leader, Banker, Engineer.
Has Fine Ornamentation,
Tiles, Windows.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark 1965 — — Map (db m60974) HM
On North Pleasant Street, on the right when traveling north.
Baptist ministry in this area can be traced to the Rev. J. M. Samford, who arrived in the vicinity in the 1840s. Hill County was formed in 1853, and Hillsborough (later Hillsboro) was chosen as county seat. The earliest recorded Baptist minister . . . — — Map (db m61334) HM
On East Franklin Street (Ranch to Market Road 286) 0.1 miles west of Church Street, on the right when traveling west.
In 1901 German native Charles Gebhardt (1874-1920) established Hillsboro's first bakery. He moved his business to this building after it was completed in 1905, using the second floor as living quarters. The brick commercial structure exhibits . . . — — Map (db m221768) HM
On Corsicana Street near North Ivy Street, on the right when traveling east.
In 1881, Tennessee native George L. Porter (1854-1928) wed Roxie Brooks (1863-1927), daughter of early Hill County official Cincinattus Ney Brooks. George was a merchant in nearby Peoria (6 mi. W) and later served as an officer in Sturgis National . . . — — Map (db m62407) HM
On North Waco Street (State Highway 81), on the left when traveling north.
Created February 7, 1855
Organized May 14, 1853
Named in honor of
Dr. George W. Hill
1814-1860
Member of the Texas Congress
and Legislature
Secretary of War of the
Republic of Texas, 1843-1845
Lexington, first village . . . — — Map (db m62522) HM
On North Waco Street near West Franklin Street, on the left when traveling north.
The fourth courthouse for Hill County (organized in 1853) and the third one located in Hillsboro, this impressive landmark replaced a brick court building erected in 1874. Contractors Lovell, Miller and Hood of Brownsville built this rusticated . . . — — Map (db m62789) HM
On North Waco Street (State Highway 81) near Fancher Street, on the right when traveling north.
Constructed in 1893, this building serves as the third jail for Hill County. It was designed by W. C. Dodson of Waco, architect of the Hill County Courthouse, and built by the Brown County firm of Lovell and Wood. The brick and limestone structure . . . — — Map (db m63541) HM
On Lamar Drive, 0.2 miles north of Corsicana Highway (State Highway 22), on the right when traveling north.
Civil War supply center. Sent into service an infantry and 3 cavalry companies. Flour, shoes, saddles, machinery were made.
The county commissioners court equipped and clothed troops. Also furnished medicine, cotton, wool, meat, corn and salt to . . . — — Map (db m203908) HM
On 300 block of Walnut Street, on the right when traveling east.
One of first public junior colleges in Texas. Established 1923, as a part of Hillsboro Public School System. Peak attendance was 410 students during 1939-40. School closed August 31, 1950, after voters defeated maintenance tax proposal twice. . . . — — Map (db m62299) HM
On South Waco Street (State Highway 22/171), on the right when traveling south.
This renaissance revival building was constructed as the fifth location for the Hillsboro Post Office. Work was begun in 1912 and completed three years later under the direction of Architect James Knox Taylor. The building's design features a tiled . . . — — Map (db m62301) HM
On County Road 2421 at County Road 1320, on the right when traveling west on County Road 2421.
Presently enclosed by a frame house, the original log structure was built in the 1840's and was on of the first homes in the settlement that became Peoria. Portions of the original walls are visible behind glass panes. Has early Texas furnishings. . . . — — Map (db m183201) HM
On East Franklin Street at Church Street, on the right when traveling west on East Franklin Street.
James Lindell Harris was born on June 27, 1916 to Albert Lee and Bessie Harris at the family farm near Hillsboro. He entered the army on March 20, 1941 and trained at Fort Sam Houston with the armored division. Harris was assigned to the 756th tank . . . — — Map (db m221767) HM
On North Covington Street near Fancher Street, on the left when traveling north.
This depot was built to serve the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (Katy) Rail Line, which reached Hillsboro in 1881. Completed in 1902, the station features elements of the Eastlake, Victorian, and Prairie styles. Early MKT trains carried materials for the . . . — — Map (db m62900) HM
In the 1890s, the community of Kerby (Kirby) developed in this location, southwest of Hillsboro, on a grant issued to the heirs of Henry Ross. The community was likely named for Jerome Claiborne Kearby, a populist candidate for the Sixth . . . — — Map (db m150552) HM
On East Franklin Street at Ransome Street, on the right when traveling east on East Franklin Street.
In era of Hillsboro's growth after Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad entered (1881) county, contractor John Self Robinson built (1883) this residence for R. S. Lumpkin (1837-1921) and wife Mary (Kelly). House style reflects success of Lumpkin, . . . — — Map (db m221769) HM
On Corsicana Street, 0.1 miles east of North Abbott Street, on the right when traveling west.
This Victorian style house was erected in 1896 by A. P. McKinnon (b. 1849), prominent local lawyer. A native of Georgia, he moved to Hillsboro in 1873 and built up a large practice. He was highly regarded for his strict ethics; served as county . . . — — Map (db m221770) HM
On North Pleasant Street near Craig Street, on the left when traveling north.
Victorian style. Built in 1895 by noted attorney Greene Duke Tarlton (1852-1931), from Louisiana. House was one of finest in town, with hand-carved mantels, stained glass windows, "speaking tube" between kitchen and third floor bedroom, and a . . . — — Map (db m62764) HM
On West Elm Street (State Highway 22/171) near South Covington Street, on the right when traveling east.
One of the oldest bank buildings in Hill County. Built in 1887 by Farmers National Bank. Constructed of sun-dried brick, replaced by kiln-dried brick in 1912. Purchased by Colonial Trust Company in 1931; Greek revival front with columns added. . . . — — Map (db m61613) HM
On Corsicana Street, on the right when traveling east.
The original section of this house, which consisted of two rooms and a detached kitchen, was built prior to 1870. Later additions were made during the ownership of Dr. William Thomas Sims (1874-1928), who purchased the property in 1906. A prominent . . . — — Map (db m61983) HM
On West Elm Street near North Covington Street, on the right when traveling west.
Founded about 1851 on Jack's Branch. Was Hill County's first settlement and only polling place when county organized on May 14, 1853. For 4 months two log homes functioned as a courthouse until a special election put the county seat at Hillsboro. . . . — — Map (db m61878) HM
On North Abbott Street, on the right when traveling north.
St. Mary's Mission was founded in the 1870s. On July 30, 1886, Bishop Alexander C. Garrett laid the cornerstone for
the first church building, which was destroyed by a tornado in 1894. This building was completed in 1911, and St.
Mary's . . . — — Map (db m61183) HM
On NW Second Street, 0.2 miles west of North Mesquite Avenue, on the left when traveling west.
From unmarked graves to homemade concrete slabs to giant marble statuaries, Fairview Cemetery reflects the heritage and history of the community. Land for the cemetery was donated by Colonel J.H. Onstott, an early settler, but no records document . . . — — Map (db m208841) HM
On NW Second Street at North Cactus Avenue, on the left when traveling east on NW Second Street.
The first church congregation organized in Hubbard began in 1882 with seventeen charter members. A frame sanctuary, built on this site in 1891, was replaced by this structure in 1911. Designed by the Dallas architectural firm of Flanders and . . . — — Map (db m208849) HM
On NW Second Street at North Magnolia Street, on the right when traveling east on NW Second Street.
The first bank in Hubbard was a small private operation started soon after the town was founded in 1881. In 1895 two banks were opened - Rod Oliver and H.B. Allen's private firm and Joe McDaniel's First National Bank. To house their enterprise, . . . — — Map (db m208863) HM
On North Magnolia Avenue (State Highway 171) at NE 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north on North Magnolia Avenue.
A legend in his own time, Tris Speaker was born, educated and buried here. Known as the Grey Eagle, he was the first Texan named to National Baseball Hall of Fame. First man elevated to Texas Sports Hall of Fame.
Was on Boston's 1912 and . . . — — Map (db m202021) HM
On North Magnolia Avenue at NW 7th Street, on the left when traveling north on North Magnolia Avenue.
A well drilled near this site in 1894 produced hot mineral water at a depth of 3,100 feet. Hot mineral baths were popular then for treatment of various diseases, and Marlin and Mineral Wells were among Texas towns with successful bath houses. In . . . — — Map (db m208867) HM
On North Magnolia Avenue (State Highway 171) at NE 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north on North Magnolia Avenue.
Founded 1881, as a shipping center and supply point on the St. Louis and Southwestern Railway. Named for Richard B. Hubbard (1832-1901), colonel in the 22nd Texas Infantry during the Civil War; Texas Governor 1876-1879; United States Minister to . . . — — Map (db m202015) HM
On NW 6th Street at North Maple Avenue, on the left when traveling east on NW 6th Street.
Rich soil, access to railway transportation and the discovery of hot mineral springs attracted travelers, merchants and settlers to Hubbard and the town quickly grew. In 1911, the city council saw a need for a public school system and later that . . . — — Map (db m208866) HM
On North Magnolia Avenue (State Highway 171) at NE 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north on North Magnolia Avenue.
S.H. Sayer began publication of the "Hubbard City News" in 1881, the year the town was founded. The business later merged with S.R. Boyd's paper, the "Texas Pick and Pan" and the "Hubbard City Progress", a newspaper started in 1901 by brothers . . . — — Map (db m91853) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1946, 0.2 miles east of County Highway 3449, on the right when traveling west.
A Soldier in the Texas Army in 1836 • Born in Louisiana, February 20, 1811 • Died May 28, 1900
His Wife
Margaret Ann Addison
Born in Missouri, February
24, 1815 • Died July 26, 1878 — — Map (db m212064) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1946, 0.2 miles east of Highway 3449, on the right when traveling west.
The first interment here was in 1870, but that grave was later moved. Oldest graves now are those of twin infants E. and P.J. Sheet, who died Feb. 9, 1871, and Synthia Green, who died Aug. 9, 1871. R.M. and W.J. Graham and F.M. Reed gave the land to . . . — — Map (db m212065) HM
On North Lamar Street at East Monroe Street, on the left when traveling south on North Lamar Street.
This congregation traces its history through six 19th-century churches in five different communities, including Itasca, Osceola, Eureka, Grandview, and Files Valley. The first Cumberland Presbyterian and First Presbyterian (U.S.) churches in Itasca . . . — — Map (db m220264) HM
On Wampus Cat Drive at East Main Street (Farm to Market Road 66), on the left when traveling north on Wampus Cat Drive.
The second railroad depot for Itasca, this Victorian structure was built in 1895, fourteen years after the town was founded along a line of the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. It was constructed large enough to accommodate both passenger and . . . — — Map (db m220263) HM
On East Main Street at North Files Street, on the right when traveling west on East Main Street.
Founded 1902 by David and Rebecca Switzer as Woman's College and Conservatory of Music. Offered liberal arts, sciences, music. Had average of 125 students. Social activities included literary societies, lyceum courses, receptions. Moved to Dallas, . . . — — Map (db m220268) HM
On East Mesquite Street at N Pecan Street, on the left when traveling west on East Mesquite Street.
Germans first came to Texas in 1821, immigrated by the hundreds in the 1840s, and in the 1880s began to move into Hill County. Here land was made available by such earlier settlers as G. W. McNeese, the Savage family, A. D. Walling, the Whites, . . . — — Map (db m144867) HM
On State Highway 22 near Stroud Street, on the left when traveling east.
On June 14, 1884, a small group of Baptists, led by W. J. Priddy, D. P. Sanders, and J. C. Osborne, met to organize a Baptist church. Originally known as Richland Baptist Church, the congregation worshiped in the Richland School until 1892, when . . . — — Map (db m61626) HM
On Farm to Market Road 1243, on the left when traveling north.
In 1876 a family of German descent, the John Henry Himmels, settled in this area of Hill County. Seven years later, Miss Emma B. Himmel became the first teacher of the Himmel Branch School. The school was the beginning of a town that, through a . . . — — Map (db m205723) HM
On State Highway 31 at County Highway 3272, on the left when traveling south on State Highway 31.
Heroic Frontiersman and Soldier. Was made Colonel by his friend, President Sam Houston. After being a Comanche captive, was a Diplomat and Indian Agent.
Settled near here, 1845. Built area's first tank using scraper of cowhide.
Wife was Nancy . . . — — Map (db m161667) HM
On Allyn Avenue (Farm to Market Road 339) at North Fifth Street East, on the right when traveling west on Allyn Avenue.
In 1878, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. J.J. Riddle, members of the Mt. Antioch Church organized this congregation. At that time Mt. Calm village was located at present old town. In 1884, with the coming of the St. Louis & Southwestern . . . — — Map (db m161654) HM
On Allyn Avenue (Farm to Market Road 339) at North Fourth Street West, on the left when traveling west on Allyn Avenue.
According to local tradition this congregation began in Mt. Calm, Limestone County, Texas, in the 1850s. By 1862 circuit preacher Andrew Davis held services in a schoolroom in the Mt. Calm Masonic Lodge. In 1883 the church erected a sanctuary here . . . — — Map (db m161649) HM
On Farm to Market Road 933, on the right when traveling south.
Settlement in this area began shortly after Fort Graham, a frontier military post established here in 1849, was abandoned in 1853. The first recorded burial in this cemetery, named after the fort, was that of infant Charley Botkin in 1879. The . . . — — Map (db m62018) HM
On Farm to Market Road 933, on the right when traveling south.
The U.S. Army established Fort Graham in this area in 1849. Although the fort closed in 1853, the presence of the troops stationed there had prompted the development of settlements throughout this part of Hill County. By 1860, James Monroe and . . . — — Map (db m60213) HM
On State Park Road 47, on the right when traveling east.
In the 1950s, bass fishing started to become a popular outdoor activity for residents in Texas, sparked by reservoir building. During that decade, a massive state-wide drought occurred, leading to water shortages. Reservoirs built in response to the . . . — — Map (db m225954) HM
On Colorado Street near West Roosevelt Avenue, on the right when traveling north.
The organizational meeting for this church was held in 1875 in the Pecan Grove community just west of Whitney. The Reverend I. M. Reeve, a circuit rider, led the congregation in its formation. In 1880, one year after the town of Whitney was founded . . . — — Map (db m61546) HM
On South Pecos Street near West Taylor Lane, on the right when traveling west.
Among the first African-American Baptist congregations in Hill County were the churches at Towash (organized in 1869), Lofer's Bend, and near Aquilla. These three congregations were united in 1883 to form the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. . . . — — Map (db m61602) HM
On State Park Road 47, on the right when traveling south.
Named for Hainai Indian chief. One of first Hill County settlements. Grist mill and carding machine built, 1850, by S. C. Dyer established Towash as a trade center. By 1879 had 15 business enterprises.
Declined after railroad bypass. Ruins . . . — — Map (db m225956) HM
On W Washington Street near S Colorado Street (Farm to Market Road 933), on the right when traveling east.
Whitney, the first railroad town in Hill County, was established in 1879 on the route of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad and was named for railroad investor Charles A. Whitney. Lots in the new town were sold at a "Grand Picnic" on November . . . — — Map (db m59698) HM
On W Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
This newspaper began publication in 1883, four years after the railroad town of Whitney was founded. Established by H. P. and J. O. Jones, the "Messenger" was purchased by J. T. and Dan S. Mayes in 1890. Dan Mayes, who gained full ownership of the . . . — — Map (db m59800) HM
