Oldest permanent settlement and
once largest town in Colorado
County. Established by the pioneer
Alley family (William, John, Rawson,
Thomas and Abraham), all members
of Austin's original 300 settlers.
Terminus of the Buffalo Bayou, . . . — — Map (db m143994) HM
Born as war clouds gathered, Alleyton was a key point on the supply line of the Confederate States of America during the Civil War. It was both beginning and end of the cotton road leading to the Confederacy's back door on the Rio Grande River. . . . — — Map (db m36906) HM
Alleyton was settled by brothers Rawson, Abraham, John and Thomas Alley ca. 1822; William Alley joined his brothers in 1824. William donated a portion of his property in 1859 for right of way for the Buffalo Bayou, Brazos and Colorado Railway, and . . . — — Map (db m143993) HM
The building of the Colorado County Courthouse began with a public celebration on July 7, 1890. About 3,000 people attended a barbecue in a grove north of town. They later marched to the Courthouse Square in a procession led by a local marching . . . — — Map (db m76845) HM
In the 1820s, Abram Alley (d. 1862) came from Missouri to join his brothers in Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300” colony. He settled a few miles south of here on the east side of the Colorado, and in 1835 married Nancy Millar (1817-1893), of . . . — — Map (db m130387) HM
Dedicated to All the Men and Women of This Community Who Helped to Preserve the Freedom of This Great Nation in Peace and War
World War I 1917 - 1918
Korea 1950 - 1955
World War II 1941 - 1946
Vietnam 1964 - . . . — — Map (db m178941) WM
Benjamin Beason, one of Stephen F. Austin's original 300 colonists, settled by a widely used Colorado River crossing near here in 1822. He and his wife Elizabeth proceeded to build a large home (also used as an inn) and established a gristmill, . . . — — Map (db m201791) HM
Site of the camp,
March 19-26, 1836
of the Texas Army
under General Sam Houston,
who directed the retreat
from Gonzales to the San Jacinto — — Map (db m76821) HM
Owned and occupied 1850-67 by Thomas W. Harris, a physician from Virginia. Bought by William and Mary Pinchback (1867), Kasper Vogel (1875), Bertha Wagner (1878), and still owned by Wagner heirs. Since 1912 store has housed Fehrenkamp grocery. . . . — — Map (db m176642) HM
Charles Brunson (1830-1916), born in Westphalia, Germany, migrated to America in 1845. About 1867 he settled in Columbus, establishing a saloon, which prospered. In 1891 he erected this building, adding adjacent store in 1896. Used as saloon until . . . — — Map (db m176640) HM
A carriage step is a block of stone or concrete placed at the street as a courtesy to guests stepping out of carriages and was a symbol of prominent families in the community. These steps are remnants of a time when livery stables, blacksmith . . . — — Map (db m176691) HM
Home begun 1856, with slave labor, by Chas. Wm. Tait, military surgeon, surveyor; Texas Legislator, planter. After Civil War duty in 4th Texas Cavalry, finished home. Cottonwood siding. Handmolded brick in the four chimneys and basement. . . . — — Map (db m178953) HM
Oldest surveyed and platted Anglo-American town in Texas. About Christmas, 1821, Robert and Joseph Kuykendall and Daniel Gilleland settled at this place-in vicinity of old Indian campgrounds on Mexico-to-Sabine River Trail. Stephen F. Austin had . . . — — Map (db m130348) HM
A part of Stephen F. Austin's
First Colony
Created March 17, 1836
Organized in 1837
The river traversing the region was called “Colorado” (red) by Spanish explorers who mistook it for the reddish Brazos. From the river, the . . . — — Map (db m71994) HM
Site of projected capitol of
Stephen F. Austin's colony, 1823.
First settlement at this point shown on
Stephen F. Austin's map of 1835 as Montezuma.
The municipality of Colorado was created by the
provisional government of Texas . . . — — Map (db m130393) HM
This classic revival building - erected in 1890-1891 in form of a Greek cross - is now one of 28 oldest existing courthouses in Texas' 254 counties.
Contractors Martin, Byrne & Johnson built the structure of brick and Belton stone. Local . . . — — Map (db m130392) HM
Formed in 1836 and organized in 1837, Colorado County is one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas. In December 1836, the First Congress of the Republic elected Robert M. Williamson judge of the Third Judicial District, automatically . . . — — Map (db m179375) HM
Built as St. John's Church, by pioneer local Episcopal parish, organized in 1850s. After holding services in courthouse and other structures for years, the parish erected this building, which was consecrated on April 3, 1879.
Columbus Church . . . — — Map (db m176352) HM
Big Tree Registry
2016
Texas Champion
Species Common Name: Live Oak
Scientific Name:
Quercus Virginiana
Dimensions:
Circumference
338 in.
Height
61 ft.
Crown Spread
114 ft.
Tree Index . . . — — Map (db m176688) HM
Beneath this tree the first Court of the Third Judicial District of The Republic of Texas was held April, 1837 by Judge Robert M. Williamson ("Three Legged Willie"). Marked by the State of Texas 1936 — — Map (db m173444) HM
John Toliver deeded a tract of land to Columbus Lodge No. 51 Independent Order of Odd Fellows. In July 1871 for use as a cemetery among the first to be interred here were victims of the 1873 yellow fever epidemic. Including George W. Smith . . . — — Map (db m156705) HM
Date of earliest burial is not known; oldest headstone, 1853. Site (7a.) was deeded to the city in 1870 as an existent graveyard.
Burials here included Benjamin Beason, one of Austin's "Old 300" colonists; W.B. DeWees, also in "Old 300", . . . — — Map (db m176686) HM
History is preserved in this structure. At founding (1919), this institution, in erecting its bank, retained a wall of 1857 Boedecker Building that had housed many ventures, including city's first bank (1875). In 1969 rebuilding, Columbus State Bank . . . — — Map (db m130347) HM
In 1824 the Mexican government granted to Elizabeth Tumlinson and her heirs the land and water rights to this area in the center of Stephen F. Austin's colony. The town of Columbus developed from a small frontier community. A fire in May 1883 . . . — — Map (db m201952) HM
Built 1883 by town of Columbus, using over 400,000 handmade bricks. Has 32-inch walls. Served as water tower and fire house until 1912. Since 1926 owned by Shropshire-Upton Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy.
Recorded Texas . . . — — Map (db m201839) HM WM
After a 1907 fire destroyed his family home, Leon F. Dick, a retired dry goods salesman, supervised the construction of this house in 1908. Dick offered hospitality to family and friends, including Governor Pat Neff, who stayed here while in . . . — — Map (db m176543) HM
Dilue Rose and Ira Albert Harris moved from Houston to Columbus in 1845. Ira served as County Sheriff and City Marshall, and Dilue wrote of her experiences during the Texas Revolution, later published. They built this house in 1858 and lived in it . . . — — Map (db m130388) HM
Dilue Rose Harris (1825-1914) is best known for her journal writings concerning events of the Texas Revolution. Her 30,000 word "Reminiscences" were published in the "quarterly" of the Texas State Historical Association, and have provided a valuable . . . — — Map (db m130390) HM
In 1837 this oak sheltered Texas jurors. Courthouse was unfinished because logs coming down-river for building had swept past in strong current. R. M. Williamson, presiding, was called "Three-legged Willie" due to appearance: he had good leg, . . . — — Map (db m28804) HM
Known as first drugstore in Republic of Texas. Founded 1844 by Dr. John G. Logue (1815-1861), who came here after graduation (1842) from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. A partner of his for a time was Dr. John H. Bowers, physician (1836) to . . . — — Map (db m76891) HM
Henry M. Ehrenwerth built this two-story commercial structure in 1873-75 of bricks from a local kiln. Designed for his mercantile store, it housed L.G. Smith's Red Elk Saloon and Gambling Hall in the 1880s. In 1896 the building was purchased by . . . — — Map (db m130346) HM
Columbus business leader, merchant, physician, farmer, 1858-87. President, 1861-66, Columbus Tap Railway. Served two Confederate enlistments during the Civil War, 1860s.
Married (1st) m. Manerva Thompson (d. 1853); (2nd) Sara Jane Palmer. Had . . . — — Map (db m178951) HM
Most of the "Old Three Hundred" settlers in Stephen F. Austin's first Texas colony in the early 1820s came from the United States and were proud of their Anglo-American Heritage. Austin discouraged any display of American loyalties which might anger . . . — — Map (db m130386) HM
Born in Kentucky, George Washington Smith moved to Texas in 1847. By 1860 Smith was judge of the First District Court, a local landowner and a commissioner of the Columbus Tap Railroad. He left the First District Court to participate in the . . . — — Map (db m176277) HM
On this site a small cottage was built about 1868 by W.H. Crebbs, who sold place in 1885 to Peter Hahn (1852-1940) and his wife Catherine Leyendecker. In 1890, Hahn moved cottage to the rear, scouted east Texas for fine woods, hired contractors . . . — — Map (db m176644) HM
Original structure built 1865 by John S. Hancock, county tax collector. Walls are of cypress with hard cedar floors. A "Dog - Trot" hall divides front section.
In 1884 another owner moved a second house here and placed it at the rear. He also . . . — — Map (db m176559) HM
This structure was initially a small two room house built in 1861. Jesse Joyner Harrison, owner of the property from 1877-1901, hired prominent local builders Andrew Wirtz & Sons in the 1880s to transform the structure into a larger two-story . . . — — Map (db m176647) HM
Comprising one acre of land, this cemetery was begun in 1879 with the burial of M.A. Levy. Although its name suggests an affiliation with a Hebrew Benevolence Society, there was never a specific organization associated with the cemetery. Several . . . — — Map (db m178919) HM
In McCormick family 100 years. "Early Texas" cottage, built 1868, with square nails; of cypress and pine wood; had five rooms, detached kitchen, dining room.
Born in Virginia, McCormick (1841-1905) came to Texas 1858; served in Confederate . . . — — Map (db m176537) HM
District Clerk for 38 years in Colorado County. Born in Illinois. Educated as a teacher, came to Texas (1899) in that profession. Moved to Columbus (1904) and became clerk in 1908. This house that he and his wife Emma (Buescher) built in 1914 . . . — — Map (db m176276) HM
Built in 1887 by Henry Ilse, a farmer, rancher, saloon owner. In symmetrical Victorian style, house is constructed of cypress, with pine floors and jigsaw decorations. It contains three fireplaces with marble mantels. Roof is made of stamped metal . . . — — Map (db m176694) HM
Jesse H. Johnson, born in Clarksburg, West Virginia, came to Texas in 1868 and settled here in Columbus, Colorado County. In May 1869 he was appointed Sheriff of Colorado County, a position he held until the end of that year. Johnson became a part . . . — — Map (db m178962) HM
Born in Wayne County, West Virginia, as Beauregard Mansfield. His name was changed to Joseph Jefferson Mansfield for his father, a Confederate Colonel who was killed soon after Mansfield's birth. Mansfield came to Texas in 1881, studied law, was . . . — — Map (db m176533) HM
Civil War veteran John Wilbur Keith and his wife, Haseltine Long, daughter of a prominent Beaumont businessman, moved to Columbus in 1870. They built this house about 1871 and in 1875 sold it to local merchant Charles W. Traylor and his wife, Lura . . . — — Map (db m176556) HM
Raised cottage with Parapeted Balustrade. Built 1869 by Charles Maigne. Siding and floors are of pine; interior walls of cypress. Foundations and fireplaces are of handmade bricks. Square nails were used in construction.
Several short-term . . . — — Map (db m176275) HM
Once a bustling, spicy smelling store, with sausages hanging from the rafters and slabs of bacon displayed in glass cases.
This building was erected 1892 by H.S. Williams, merchant and city mayor. It was run 1906-1941 by P.F. Heller, Jr., and . . . — — Map (db m176558) HM
Built 1886 by R.E. Stafford, 1834-1890, millionaire cattleman. Stately interior (which seated 1,000) had gas-burning chandeliers and an elaborate hand-painted curtain. Architect was N.J. Clayton, who designed many opulent Texas buildings. . . . — — Map (db m201844) HM
A Georgia native and a doctor's son, Robert Henry Harrison received his medical degree in Ohio in 1846. He married Martha V. Towell in 1856, then served as a Colonel in the Confederate Army. He moved to Columbus with his family in 1869, lived in a . . . — — Map (db m176643) HM
Robert Robson (1804-1878), one of many Scotsmen seeking fortune in North America, came to the Texas Republic in 1839. On land he owned at this site, he built a concrete "castle," using native lime and gravel. It had running water, pumped from the . . . — — Map (db m28325) HM
One of Columbus' first downtown commercial structures built here in 1837, housed a doctor's family and office from 1850 to 1866. John Rosenfield bought the property in 1872 and about 1896 erected this building. A fine example of a turn of the . . . — — Map (db m176557) HM
The earliest Episcopal worship service known to have been held in Columbus occurred in 1848. At that time services were held infrequently, conducted by clergy traveling through the area. The Rev. Hannibal Pratt came to Columbus in 1855, and Saint . . . — — Map (db m176367) HM
Virginia native Friench Simpson (1848-1923) came to Colorado County in the 1860s. A farmer, banker, Columbus mayor, state senator, and poet, Simpson had this home built for his family in 1882. After 1916, it became the home of Dr. C.A. Williamson . . . — — Map (db m176540) HM
Pioneers Asa and Rebecca Townsend came to the Republic of Texas in February 1838 and were granted 640 acres in Colorado County. Their son, James Light Townsend (1845-1894) and his second wife, Margaret Alice Cummins, made their first home on a . . . — — Map (db m178970) HM
Dr. Robert Henry Harrison (1826-1905), graduate of the Botanico Medical College, Cincinnati, and Alabama Medical College, moved to Columbus in the 1870s, while the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio (later Southern Pacific) railway was building . . . — — Map (db m201849) HM
Site of the Camp, March 20-26, 1836, of one division of General Santa Anna's Army under the command of General Joaquín Ramírez y Sesma. It crossed the Colorado at Atascosita Ford, eight miles below Columbus. — — Map (db m29707) HM
Ornate Victorian house built for millionaire cattleman - banker Robert E. Stafford (1834-1890), one of organizers of Columbus Meat & Ice Co. Stafford built home and Opera House in same year, 1886. By design, he could sit in his bedroom and see . . . — — Map (db m76848) HM
Nineteenth-century stagecoach operations in Texas were closely tied to mail delivery, and contracts with the U.S. Postal Service more often than not made the transportation of passengers and freight by stage economically feasible. As an early . . . — — Map (db m76899) HM
Prominent local merchant Edward E. Stein and his wife Angalla (Heller) Stein, built this house in 1897. Andrew Wirtz and sons, who built several homes in Columbus were the contractors following Edward's death in 1906, his widow sold the property . . . — — Map (db m176353) HM
Originally a modest one-story cottage built about 1867 by Phocian Tate. Sold in 1887 to A. Senftenberg, merchant, who added second story and porches with Victorian ornamentation. In 1900 Kenneth Brandon bought home and extended northeast section. . . . — — Map (db m176649) HM
The Buffalo Bayou, Brazos & Colorado—first railway built in Texas—in the 1850s mapped its route from Houston to Austin through Alleyton (3 mi. E), bypassing Columbus. To retain their town's supremacy in its trade area, Columbus citizens projected . . . — — Map (db m201848) HM
Late Victorian house with art glass windows, shingled gables, ornate gingerbread trim. Large rooms have 12-foot ceilings.
Built in 1898 of clear lumber hand-picked by the owner, John H. Luck, assisted by Jeff Tanner, a highly respected Negro . . . — — Map (db m176541) HM
By March 1822, Stephen F. Austin had attracted about 150 colonists to Texas. The pioneers faced many hardships, including concern for their protection form Indians along the Colorado and Brazos rivers. In December of that year, Trespalacios, the . . . — — Map (db m29767) HM
Born in North Carolina. Moved to Texas in 1851. As pastor here, is said to have founded the first English speaking Lutheran Church in Texas, a founder (1857) of Colorado College, first public school in Columbus and one of first in Texas; he and 3 . . . — — Map (db m178917) HM
James A. Toliver (1844-1911), native Texan, Civil War veteran, and local political and civic leader, is said to have built this house about 1870 with the finest pine and cypress from his lumberyard. It was purchased in 1916 by Sallie Cone . . . — — Map (db m176354) HM
Eastlake style embellishments make this a Victorian jewel. It was built in 1890 by contractor Jacob Wirtz for Marcus H. and Annie (Burford) Townsend. A State Representative (1883-85) and Senator (1889-93), Townsend sponsored bill for state . . . — — Map (db m201850) HM
John (1776-1823) and Elizabeth Plemmons (1778-1829) Tumlinson were born in Lincoln County, North Carolina and lived in Tennessee, Illinois, and Arkansas before coming to Texas with their seven children as members of Austin's Old Three Hundred . . . — — Map (db m29965) HM
Early Texas settler. Came here from Kentucky, 1822, when Texas was part of Mexico. Received a large land grant in 1824 as one of Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300" colonists. Worked as blacksmith and trader.
After Columbus was burned in Texas . . . — — Map (db m130389) HM
William L. Menefee, born ca. 1796 in Knox County, Tennessee, served in the Tennessee Militia in the War of 1812. He studied law and was admitted to the bar sometime prior to 1824 when he moved to Alabama. In 1830 he and his wife Agnes (Sutherland) . . . — — Map (db m130391) HM
An 1860s frontier cottage of cypress and pine, with locally made bricks in foundations.
At first owned by James Hodges; bought 1875 by James H. Simpson, county's first banker; then sold in 1896 to Charles J.G. Leesemann, 1904-08 Colorado . . . — — Map (db m176544) HM
Colorado County Historic School Site
This was the location of
Zimmerscheidt School
1857 - 1948
One of the early schools in Colorado County which served the people of this area. This plaque commemorating the historic school was . . . — — Map (db m176273) HM
Named for Frederick A. Zimmerscheidt who on January 18, 1855 deeded an acre of land to the school trustees for the purpose of building a school. The school served the community from February 1, 1857 until the consolidation with the Columbus . . . — — Map (db m176274) HM
Attwater Prairie Chicken Preserve has been designated a Registered Natural Landmark Under the provisions of the Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935 This site possesses exceptional value in illustrating the natural . . . — — Map (db m213745) HM
[Top plaque]
has been listed in the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1926
[Bottom plaque]
Historic Landmark
City hall
1926
Fire Station – . . . — — Map (db m195768) HM
Before a school existed in Eagle Lake, African Americans were educated at home or in small churches, with some classes held in a local blacksmith shop. The first school for African-American children was located on Main Street in a room on the first . . . — — Map (db m192866) HM
Colorado County Historic School Site This was the location of Eagle Lake High 1891-1970
One of the early schools in Colorado County which served the people of this area. This plaque commemorating the historic school was donated by . . . — — Map (db m192863) HM
Settled in 1857 Incorporated as a city on Sept. 13, 1888 Centennial Monument - 1988 Dedicated to all those who have ever called Eagle Lake home. — — Map (db m212403) HM
After Eagle Lake was laid out in the 1850s, Gamaliel Good built a hotel on this corner. The Good Hotel served as a stagecoach and railroad stop. Three railroads crossed town, and commerce was heavy. By 1912 the economy had become dependent on rice . . . — — Map (db m195771) HM
The Sugar Industry, which began in Texas before the Civil War (1861-65), was revived in the late 1800s by cheaper refining methods. One of the leading sugar producers in Colorado County was William Dunovant. In 1898 he and several men from Eagle . . . — — Map (db m30155) HM
In 1880, the Eagle Lake Masonic Lodge No. 366, established in 1872, purchased this burial ground. Also known as Eagle Lake Masonic Cemetery, the earliest known burial here occurred in 1867. Others buried here include Eagle Lake Mayor and U.S. . . . — — Map (db m192865) HM
The United Methodist Church of Eagle Lake is the oldest Protestant congregation in the community. By 1864, Emma Tracy Rhine started the first private school in Eagle Lake. The one-room schoolhouse served as the first church meeting house in 1872, . . . — — Map (db m192862) HM
Because overland travel in early Texas was an enterprise often fraught with hardship, frustration, and danger, many individuals looked to rivers for a solution to the problem. From 1829 to the Civil War, optimistic Texans attempted to ply the area's . . . — — Map (db m166519) HM
In memory of those who died for our freedom James G. Shirley KIA Aug. 13, 1945 • Glenn E. Eggers KIA May 8, 1945 • Ernest A. Herndon KIA Nov. 5, 1944 • Arthur Hodde KIA Feb. 19, 1944 • Richard L. Eggers KIA Dec. 5, 1943 • Maurice Parker KIA Feb. . . . — — Map (db m212396) HM WM
The rice industry did not spread into the coastal plains region west of Houston until the very end of the 19th century. In 1898, Captain William Dunovant (1845-1902), a local plantation owner and entrepreneur, planted 40 acres of rice . . . — — Map (db m30156) HM
Named for lake where in 1821 exploring party of Stephen F. Austin killed an eagle. In 1851 resident Gamaliel Good started a Houston-to-San Antonio Stage line with lakeside headquarters. In 1856, with D. W. C. Harris, Good platted Eagle Lake . . . — — Map (db m30159) HM
Born in Eagle Lake and known as the last of the Black Hat Rangers, Zeno Smith (1902-1972) worked as a cowboy and rancher, and in his family's meat market. In 1935, he became a Texas Ranger, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and older . . . — — Map (db m201977) HM
First German settlement in Colorado County • Founded in 1837 by William Frels who immigrated to Texas in 1834 and fought for independence, 1835-1836 • Proposed site of Hermann University, first institution of higher learning sponsored by . . . — — Map (db m176239) HM
Pioneer, farmer, soldier, and county official Mike Muckleroy was born in Franklin County, Tennessee, and came to Texas in 1840. An early and long-time resident of Colorado County, he came to be affectionately known throughout the area as "Uncle . . . — — Map (db m176234) HM
Pioneer German Catholic immigrants who settled in this area in the early 1830s founded Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church about 1843. The congregation initially attended services held by itinerant priests known as "Saddle Bag" priests, . . . — — Map (db m177068) HM
William Frels came to Texas from Germany in 1834 and joined other pioneers settling here. Frontier pastors such as the Rev. J.C. Ervendberg cared for their religious needs. In 1855 Frels gave sites for a church and cemetery and the Rev. C. Roehm . . . — — Map (db m176231) HM
In 1857, community founder and German native, Capt. Wilhelm Frels, donated 3.9 acres at this site for the establishment of a Lutheran Church and cemetery. Members of the Frels, Becker and Fehrenkamp families, as well as other early settlers, are . . . — — Map (db m176230) HM
Completed on July 17, 1932, as Nelson No. 1 Well, at a depth of 4,052 ft.; was drilled by Coyle-Concord Oil Company owner of 30,000 acres of block leases in area. Many other wells were soon drilled as a result of success here. Site called Garwood . . . — — Map (db m192875) HM
Founded in 1901, the town of Garwood is located on land once occupied by Preston Gilbert, one of Stephen F. Austin's "Old 300" colonists, who acquired the acreage in 1827. In 1896, Marcus Hervy Townsend, Thomas A. Hill, and William Thomas Burford . . . — — Map (db m192871) HM
In Memory of Norman L. Lanier Born March 2, 1925 Killed in Action Oct. 3, 1944 While serving with the 45th Div. 180th Inf. in Southern France — — Map (db m192873) WM
In Memory of Sgt. William Foster Born June 11, 1917 Killed in Action Nov. 14, 1943 While Serving With the 310 Bomb Group, 47 Wing in North Africa — — Map (db m192872) WM
Before the railroad came to Colorado County, this area was the origin of several cattle drives to northern markets. Early settlers in the region were area gravel industry pioneer J.N.Mahon; John Turnbough, a contractor who came in 1877; rancher . . . — — Map (db m178910) HM
This congregation grew out of a community church that began meeting in the railroad town of Glidden as early as 1895. In 1906 the Glidden Missionary Baptist Church in Christ was formally organized. Members of the church called their first pastor, . . . — — Map (db m178906) HM
The Olive Branch Baptist Church was established in the 1860s. Charter members were Jeff Collier, Jim Shepherd, John Turbin, Jack Johnson, and Gus, Elizah, and Jim Smallwood. Begun several miles west of this site, the church moved here in 1896. The . . . — — Map (db m178905) HM
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