On North Esplanade Street (U.S. 183) at East Reuss Boulevard (Farm to Market Road 766), on the right when traveling south on North Esplanade Street.
Cuero native Alexander Frank Hamilton (1880-1952), one of three sons born to Alexander and Annie (Thornton) Hamilton, attended local schools and Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire before commencing on a long career in ranching and business. . . . — — Map (db m174396) HM
On North Esplanade Street (U.S. 183) at West Prairie, on the right when traveling south on North Esplanade Street.
Alexander Hamilton (1846-1906) was born in Carlisle County, Kentucky, and came to Texas in 1850, living with his family on the Smith Farm between Clinton and Yorktown. At sixteen, Alexander volunteered for the Confederate Army, serving one year as . . . — — Map (db m174383) HM
On Farm to Market Road 236 at Zion Cemetery Road, on the right when traveling south on Road 236.
A native of Germany, Adam Christopher Henry Arnecke settled in this area in the 1850s and opened the community's first general store. Originally known as Zionsville, the settlement later was named for Arnecke. By the end of the 19th century, . . . — — Map (db m291912) HM
On East Broadway Street (U.S. 87) at North McLeod Street, on the right when traveling west on East Broadway Street.
This structure was built principally of lumber salvaged from ruins of the Indianola home of Morgan steamship Captain Henry Shepard (1826-1879). After a hurricane destroyed Indianola in August 1886, the late captain's son-in-law, Francis Walter . . . — — Map (db m211557) HM
On East Main Street at North Clinton Street, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street.
In 1939 when the Nazis threatened world conquest, the United States had immediate need for thousands of pilots - more than could be trained at military fields alone. Aid was enlisted from civilian flying schools. One field was established in Cuero . . . — — Map (db m132551) HM
On West Broadway Street east of Terrell Street, on the right when traveling west.
This structure was begun in 1883 as a one-story dwelling for Walter Kibbe Breeden (1858-1931) and his wife Margaret (Pleasants) (1863-1936). In 1889 Breeden and his brother Charles founded Breeden brothers, well-known mercantile company and . . . — — Map (db m211562) HM
On U.S. 138 at West Main Street, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 138.
Otto Buchel (1849-1909) came to Cuero in 1872, the year of city's founding; operated a mercantile business in partnership with George Seeligson. Buchel had the only safe in town, and within a year began keeping citizens' valuables. With addition . . . — — Map (db m205700) HM
On Old Gonzales Road (County Road 160) 0.4 miles west of U.S. 183, on the left when traveling west.
Permanent settlers arrived in this area of Texas as early as 1839. A post office was established in 1842, two years after the first school opened near this site. In 1894, Cuero merchant and banker Otto Buchel (1849-1909) gave land at this site for . . . — — Map (db m291936) HM
Reminder of De Witt County's earliest settlement, Irish Creek, begun in 1826 when Arthur Burns (1780-1856) migrated from Missouri and Iowa to Texas. He joined colony of Green DeWitt and built a 2-story log home near here. Used as a refuge during . . . — — Map (db m205853) HM
On State Highway 72 2.4 miles west of U.S. 87, on the right when traveling east.
Community leader and businessman Charles A. Schlinke played a vital role in the development of DeWitt County. Born in Posen, Germany, Schlinke immigrated to the United States with family in 1869, following his father, who settled in Weesatche . . . — — Map (db m132625) HM
A native of Victoria, Charles G. Breeden came to Cuero at age 15 to work on the "Weekly Star" newspaper. He made Cuero his permanent home and became an influential business and civic leader. A prominent south Texas merchant, he was a partner in . . . — — Map (db m206011) HM
On U.S. 183 at Clinton Road (County Road 410), on the right when traveling south on U.S. 183.
Created in 1846, DeWitt County was named for Empresario Green DeWitt. The county seat, originally at Cameron, was moved in 1848 to the pioneer town of Clinton, named for DeWitt's son. County government returned briefly to Cameron, but Clinton again . . . — — Map (db m122101) HM
On U.S. 183 0.2 miles Concrete Edgar Road (County Road 242), on the right when traveling north.
One of most respected schools in Texas in its day. Founded by the Rev. John Van Epps Covey (1821-1898), noted educator and minister. Embraced primary through collegiate levels, accepting only students over 12 years old for college work. Broad course . . . — — Map (db m125622) HM
On East Broadway Street, on the right when traveling south.
Founded 1873 with arrival of Gulf, Western, Texas and Pacific Railroad. County seat moved here from Clinton, 1876. Population grew after coastal storms of 1875 and 1886 destroyed Indianola and refugees from there made a new start here. Home of . . . — — Map (db m206864) HM
On East Main Street at North Clinton Street, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street.
On Dec. 25, 1871, Cuero Land and Immigration Company was formed to develop 4,128 acres of land from J. A. Valdez y Gonzales League (granted 1833 by Mexico). Company charter was issued Feb. 7, 1872. There were four founders and stockholders of . . . — — Map (db m132550) HM
On Daule Street north of Bridge Street, on the left when traveling north.
Cuero Colored High School was founded in 1892 as the first African American school in Cuero. The building was a one-room wooden structure built on lot fourteen of the Morgantown addition to the city. Prior to the 1890s, schools for black children . . . — — Map (db m291924) HM
On North Gonzales Street, on the right when traveling north.
De Witt County organized in 1846 with Cameron as the first seat of government. Clinton was county seat from 1850 to 1876, when its two-story frame courthouse was moved to the new seat of Cuero. That building burned in April 1894. The present . . . — — Map (db m132624) HM
On East Broadway Street (U.S. 87) at East Courthouse Street, on the left when traveling west on East Broadway Street.
De Witt County
Included in the colonial grant in 1825 to Green De Witt, Texas empesario ▲ Settled until 1840 largely by Anglo Americans ▲ Created a county of the state of Texas March 24, 1846, its area being taken from Gonzales, . . . — — Map (db m269140) HM
On North Gonzales Street at East Courthouse Street, on the right when traveling north on North Gonzales Street.
[Front]
In honor of
DeWitt County's
war dead in
world wars
1917 1918
1941 1945
1951 1953
[Back]
To keep forever living the
freedom for which they died
this symbol of our dead is dedicated
DeWitt County . . . — — Map (db m195684) WM
On U.S. 183 1 mile north of Bramlette Road (County Road 244), on the right when traveling south.
Surgeon of Waul's Legion, Confederate Army.
Came to Texas about 1850. In 1856 got M.D. degree in Philadelphia. During Civil War, saved many lives, but took typhoid, which contributed to loss of his eyesight. After blindness, practiced rest of . . . — — Map (db m125623) HM
On East Main Street at North Clinton Street, on the right when traveling east on East Main Street.
This bandstand, successor to earlier ones in Cuero, is a replica of the first one erected in this park - used for concerts, patriotic meetings, bazaars, ice cream socials, political rallies, street dances.
Cuero musicians won renown as official . . . — — Map (db m132549) HM
On Terrell Street at West Courthouse Street, on the right when traveling south on Terrell Street.
Built in 1870s by a key man in the activities and ideology that gave the town of Cuero its economic leadership role in late 19th century South Texas.
Edward Mόgge (1839-97), a native of Germany, arrived in the now-extinct seaport of . . . — — Map (db m132622) HM
On Clinton Cemetery Road 0.1 miles east of U.S. 183, on the right when traveling east.
In memory of Elizabeth Wilson Rice, a pioneer Texian. Born in Ireland in 1805, Elizabeth Wilson immigrated to Ohio about 1818 where she married Thomas McClure Rice in 1824. Answering General Sam Houston's call to help gain freedom for Texas, in . . . — — Map (db m291917) HM
On TL Overture Street at W Newman Street, on the left when traveling north on TL Overture Street.
Eugene A. Daule (1860-1943) was born into slavery in St. James Parish, Louisiana. He attended Leland University in New Orleans and Prairie View State College, now known as Prairie View A & M University. Though the exact date of his arrival in Cuero . . . — — Map (db m291928) HM
On North McLeod Street, on the right when traveling south.
On July 8, 1849, a group of settlers gathered together under a live oak tree at the home of Dr. Robert and Mary C. Trigg Peebles to form the Live Oak Presbyterian Church, the first Presbyterian congregation in DeWitt County. Led by the Rev. William . . . — — Map (db m132588) HM
On East Courthouse Street at North Clinton Street, on the right when traveling east on East Courthouse Street.
Circuit riders held worship services for Methodists in the Cuero Creek area as early as 1841. It was not until after Cuero's incorporation in 1873, however, that a permanent Methodist church was founded here. Earliest records report eight members on . . . — — Map (db m132586) HM
On U.S. 183 at Lakeside Drive, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 183.
In 1839 or 1840 at the junction of the La Grange - La Bahia and Victoria - Gonzales Roads (.5 miles east), Daniel Boone Friar (1800-58) built a home and store that served as a social, political, transportation, and trade center for early De Witt . . . — — Map (db m125624) HM
On North Gonzales Street at East Live Oak Street, on the right when traveling north on North Gonzales Street.
(Marker Front)
Educated in stern military schools of Prussia. Was in French Legion and Army of Turkey. Knighted in Spain after work in Carlist Wars. Came to Texas 1845. In Mexican War 1846-47. Later became Port of Lavaca customs . . . — — Map (db m132585) HM
On U.S. 183 0.1 miles south of Brown Road (County Highway 245), on the right when traveling south.
Pennsylvania native George Washington Davis (1797-1853) brought his family to Texas in 1831. He selected a league of land near present-day Cuero in the Green De Witt Colony and became an active participant in the movement toward Texas . . . — — Map (db m167236) HM
Typical of prospering 19th century city, this late Victorian house has fine details: imported leaded glass windows, metal "lace" trim, turned columns, Italian tile. Architect was A. O. Watson, Austin; Contractor, C. A. Fuess of Cuero. Built 1895 . . . — — Map (db m207759) HM
On Golly Road (County Road 419) 0.2 miles south of Jutz Road (County Road 420), on the right when traveling south.
The first school for the Golly Hollow community was erected in a low lying area west of this site. In 1884 Theresa Hubers-Burger donated an acre of land so that this structure could be built on higher ground. The school was named for pioneer . . . — — Map (db m291911) HM
On North Esplanade Street (U.S. 87/183) at East Live Oak Street, on the right when traveling north on North Esplanade Street.
Organized in 1874. First chapel was moved from Port Lavaca; present church, built 1889, was dedicated May 25, 1890, when the Rev. George Hinson was rector.
Gothic architecture with clapboard siding, walnut interior, cedar shingle roof. . . . — — Map (db m132590) HM
On Terrell Street at West Live Oak Street, on the right when traveling south on Terrell Street.
This colonial revival house was built about 1880 for the family of David H. Heaton, owner of Cuero's first drugstore. In 1924 it was purchased by prominent civic leader Charles G. Breeden, who had it remodeled to its current appearance shortly . . . — — Map (db m132620) HM
On Taylor Road (County Road 115) 1.6 miles south of U.S. 87, on the left when traveling south.
Born in South Carolina; married Josiah Taylor, October 1, 1807; came to Texas in 1824. After his death in 1830, she applied for a 1-league land grant in the Green De Witt Colony, based on Josiah Taylor's colonization certificate from the . . . — — Map (db m293219) HM
On East Prairie Street, on the right when traveling east.
The new community of Cuero was surveyed for the Cuero Land & Immigration Co. in 1873. That same year, the city incorporated, and the GWT&P Railroad extended its track to it from Indianola. The land company conveyed 12 acres at this site for use as . . . — — Map (db m207817) HM
On U.S. 183 at Hopkinsville Road (County Road 429), on the right when traveling north on U.S. 183.
Members of the Hopkins family came to De Witt County in 1854 as slaves of Judge Henry Clay Pleasants (d. 1899). They worked for a time on a Gonzales County plantation and returned to this area after the Civil War as freedmen. In 1872 Henry Hopkins . . . — — Map (db m122056) HM
Near Clinton Cemetery Road 0.1 miles east of U.S. 183.
Born in Tennessee. Parents were James and Catherine Jordan Blair. Served in Mexican and Civil Wars. Rose from Confederate ranks to captain of Company G, 36th Texas Cavalry. Later served as Texas Ranger and was appointed Sheriff of De Witt County . . . — — Map (db m291920) HM
On North McLeod Street, on the right when traveling south.
"Uncle Jimmy the Peacemaker." Son of Sgt. James Turner Smith, veteran of American Revolution.
Born and educated in North Carolina. Lived for 32 years in Tennessee, where he taught James K. Polk, later a U.S. President.
Taught first school . . . — — Map (db m132587) HM
On West Reuss Boulevard at Shannon Ct Drive, on the right when traveling west on West Reuss Boulevard.
Built in 1877 near Lindenau by John Tyler Wofford (1844-1910), Confederate veteran, merchant, farmer, rancher, son of First Chief Justice, DeWitt County. House was dismantled, boards numbered, moved and reassembled here about . . . — — Map (db m291931) HM
On Taylor Road (County Road 115) 1.6 miles south of U.S. 87, on the left when traveling south.
Born in Virginia. First came to Texas in 1812, as captain in the Gutierrez - Magee Expedition, an attempt to free Mexico from Spain; fought at La Bahia, Alazan, Rosales; wounded 7 times in the Battle of Medina. Returned to Texas with family, 1824; . . . — — Map (db m293220) HM
Graduate, University of Virginia, admitted to bar and practiced law in Virginia until moving to Clinton, Texas, 1854. Was judge 40 years of 23rd District Court.
Admired for his courage and impartiality. Despite threats against his life, . . . — — Map (db m290719) HM
German native Antone Keller (d. 1857) came to Texas in 1846 as a colonist with the German Emigration Company. He arrived with his family at the port city of Indianola (65 miles southeast), where he later opened a crockery, glassware, and grocery . . . — — Map (db m207936) HM
On North Espanade Street (U.S. 87/183) at West Courthouse Street, on the right when traveling south on North Espanade Street.
In 1864, in response to the tensions surrounding the American Civil War, Justus Henry Rathbone organized the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal order. The first Texas lodge, in Houston, was assembled in 1872; two years later, the Grand Lodge of Texas . . . — — Map (db m132591) HM
On Leonard Roy Harmon Drive 0.1 miles south of East Broadway Street (U.S. 87), in the median.
Born in Cuero, Leonard Roy Harmon enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Houston in June 1939. After training in Norfolk, Virginia, he reported for duty on the cruiser “U.S.S. San Francisco” and advanced to Mess Attendant First Class.
During . . . — — Map (db m34628) HM
On Lockhart Cemetery Road (County Road 160) east of U.S. 183, on the left when traveling east.
These three acres form the oldest known African American burial ground in Dewitt County. Dating back to the 1800s, Lockhart once thrived as a rural farming community for African Americans. Its earliest settlers included sharecroppers and former . . . — — Map (db m291935) HM
First mail and passenger steamship service from the United States to Texas. In 1835 put in operation the "Columbia" from New Orleans to Galveston, bringing in settlers and goods; soon had three cargo and mail lines along the Texas coast and to . . . — — Map (db m208109) HM
On U.S. 183 at Lakeside Drive, on the right when traveling north on U.S. 183. Reported missing.
From site near here, 1800 Longhorns were moved out April 1, 1866, on first trail drive from this area to northern markets. Crockett Cardwell, owner of cattle bed ground, had gathered the herd. The trail boss was Thornton Chisholm, a native of DeWitt . . . — — Map (db m291934) HM
On North Gonzales Street, on the right when traveling north.
From Longhorn cattle gathering site, 1800 Longhorns were headed up and moved out of Cardwell Flats near here on April 1, 1866 on first Chisholm cattle drive to northern markets. Crockett Cardwell, owner of cattle bedground had gathered the herd with . . . — — Map (db m132626) HM
On Terrell Street, on the right when traveling north.
Harvard graduate and attorney David Cogswell Proctor established his law career in Indianola, Texas, in the late 1840s. He opened a second firm in 1880 in Cuero, fortunately before the 1886 hurricane that destroyed much of Indianola. Finding his . . . — — Map (db m132621) HM
On North Esplanade Street (U.S. 87/183) at West Live Oak Street, on the right when traveling south on North Esplanade Street.
The great Gulf storm of 1875 in Indianola brought many Lutherans to Cuero. By 1880 German Lutherans were meeting for services conducted by pastors from nearby communities. The 1886 destruction of Indianola brought more Lutherans, and St. Mark's was . . . — — Map (db m132559) HM
On North McLeod Street at East Church Street, on the right when traveling south on North McLeod Street.
The Rt. Rev. Anthony Dominic Pellicer, first Bishop of San Antonio, established St. Michael's Parish in 1875, after the Cuero Land and Immigration Co. donated this site for a church. The name was chosen in memory of Michael O'Brien, whose widow was . . . — — Map (db m132589) HM
On Farm to Market Road 766 south of Ed Blackwell Road (County Road 124), on the right when traveling south.
This site was chosen in June 1846 as the first seat of DeWitt County and named for Capt. Ewen Cameron (1811-43), slain prisoner of the Mier Expedition. Although a town was platted on the 100-acre tract donated by Joseph Tumlinson, a . . . — — Map (db m291938) HM
On Taylor Road south of U.S. 87, on the left when traveling south.
This burial ground, also known as Taylor-Bennett Cemetery, originally served the Taylor family. It later also became the final resting place for members of the Bennett family, who were joined with the Taylors through the 1857 marriage of Elizabeth . . . — — Map (db m293193) HM
Born in Florida; came to Texas in childhood. A cowboy in youth - drove cattle to Kansas, Wyoming. Attended Covey College, Concrete. Appointed sheriff of De Witt County, 1892; he served 15 years. Used persuasiveness and tact in handling duties. . . . — — Map (db m211734) HM
On East Newman Street at Stockdale Ave, on the left when traveling west on East Newman Street.
One of oldest homes in Cuero built in port city of Indianola (70 miles southeast) by William Frobese (1838-1911), who came from Germany to Texas in 1859 and rose to place of leadership as a partner in foremost banking-mercantile . . . — — Map (db m291929) HM
Near Zion Cemetery Road 0.2 miles west of Farm to Market Road 236.
German settlers began to arrive in this area in the late 1840s. Many immigrants settled in the twelve mile Coleto area, later known as Meyersville. The St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church was established in 1850. Meanwhile, the settlement of . . . — — Map (db m291914) HM
