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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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 m195686) HM
[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
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
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 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
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
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
(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
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
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
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
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
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
"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
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, called in . . . — — Map (db m207922) 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
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
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
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
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 m125625) HM
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 Mügge (1839-97), a native of Germany, arrived in the now-extinct seaport of . . . — — Map (db m132622) 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
Mount Zion Baptist Church was organized on July 18, 1869, with fifteen charter members. The Rev. Mitchell Harrison (d. 1906) was the congregation's first pastor and is credited with naming the new church.
The congregation worshiped in a . . . — — Map (db m174382) HM
Extending 45 miles along the Guadalupe River Basin, Cuero I Archeological District was created to define and preserve cultural resources threatened by a proposed reservoir. Archeological investigation in 1972-73 revealed 352 significant prehistoric . . . — — Map (db m167233) HM
Founded near home and stage stand of Valentine Hoch on old Austin - Indianola Road, 1856. In 1864, German Methodist Church was built; Post Office opened 1869. County's first Protestant church (organized 1841 on Cuero Creek by J.M. Baker and James . . . — — Map (db m201819) HM
Land for the Hochheim Cemetery was donated by Rachel S. Crawford (1806-1879). She and her husband, James (1800-1861), were pioneer settlers in the Hochheim community. They and many of their descendants are buried here. The graveyard contains many . . . — — Map (db m167230) HM
Built of hand-quarried native stone in 1856 by V. Hoch, a settler. Served as an inn on the Austin-Indianola Stage Road.
While drivers changed four-horse teams, the passengers welcomed the chance to enjoy the inn's food and hospitality. — — Map (db m61044) HM
In the 1870s Joshua Butler from Virginia settled here on 2000 acres along Cabeza Creek. Soon John Riley and P.P. Short began large sheep and cattle ranches. Their children attended schools in Yorktown and Helena until a schoolhouse was built on . . . — — Map (db m235021) HM
Built 1923 in park donated to city on 25th anniversary of its founding. Some of wood came from floats used in the Jubilee Parade. Nordheim Brass Band (first organized 1896) has given many typical German concerts here, and through years, pavilion . . . — — Map (db m174512) HM
A product of the area's pre-dominantly German heritage and community Mayfest celebrations of the nineteenth century, the Nordheim Fortschritt Verein (Progress Club) was organized in 1897. Another organization, the Nordheim Scheutzen Verein . . . — — Map (db m174601) HM
A beacon for early Texas pioneers. Because this hill could be seen for miles, it guided travelers from Old Indianola (on the coast) inland to Helena and San Antonio during the 19th century. On the hill, they discovered charred rocks and artifacts . . . — — Map (db m174511) HM
Situated along Cabeza Creek, the Sociedad Cementerio Union Mexicana Cemetery, also known as Saint Ann Cemetery, is the final resting place for the Mexican American population of Nordheim, this area was patented to Robert Galletty in 1841 and later . . . — — Map (db m174605) HM
In 1845, Valentine Hoch settled in this area, and the community that developed nearby soon became known as Hochheim Prairie (now Hochheim). A number of Eastern European emigrants would settle here in the following years. Among them were Jacob and . . . — — Map (db m167197) HM
The nearby oak grove served as a family cemetery from the 1870s, originally for two Prussian families immigrating to Texas in the 1850s. They sailed to the port of Indianola and settled here, close to Hochheim Prairie (3 mi W). Carl Ottomar . . . — — Map (db m167194) HM
De Witt County's first railroad town. Absorbed Price's Creek, 1848 settlement of Republic of Texas patriot, Judge David Murphree (1811-66). Thomaston was named for State Legislator Nathan Thomas (1809-91), who sold south part of townsite (in . . . — — Map (db m211739) HM
Thomaston was established as De Witt County's first railroad town in 1872, with much of the land for the townsite donated by John P. and Mary M. Lockhart Wright. Land for this cemetery was given in 1886 by John P. Wright, and his widow (second . . . — — Map (db m211737) HM
George Lord was born in Essex County, England on April 21, 1816 to Felstead and Anna Siggs Lord. He immigrated to Canada in 1834 and worked there for two years. He then moved to New Orleans and joined other volunteers under a Capt. Lyons to serve . . . — — Map (db m167377) HM
Founded 1906 as Bello ("Beautiful View"), tent city of workers building Texas and New Orleans Railroad. Renamed 1909 for Wm. Westhoff (August 8, 1831 - March 19, 1911), local merchant and political leader. For a time town had 3 cotton gins, 13 . . . — — Map (db m167378) HM
Located in northeastern Dewitt County, the Asberry School served the educational needs of the African American community in Yoakum beginning in 1930. Formerly known as the Yoakum Negro Public School, it formed out of the consolidation of two . . . — — Map (db m167170) HM
After attempts by Yoakum officials to purchase existing electric power facilities failed, the city voted in 1930, at a commission meeting attended by about 300 local residents, to build its own municipal power plant. This building was designed by . . . — — Map (db m167168) HM
The town of Yoakum incorporated on May 13, 1889, and with a growing population and business, a banking house was needed. W.O. Richardson recognized this need and with the assistance of other community leaders, organized a commercial bank in . . . — — Map (db m167215) HM
Co. G, 16th Illinois Cavalry from Apr. 1, 1863 to Aug. 15, 1865. Enlisted as private in Springfield, Ill., after crossing confederate lines by walking, stagecoach and steamboat. Like many Texas Germans, he felt U.S. should be kept together. Born . . . — — Map (db m174509) HM
Erected 1876. Had iron shutters, elevator, walls 25 inches thick. Housed general mercantile store begun by pioneer Caesar Eckhardt family in 1848, soon after founding of Yorktown. Wagons brought in goods from seaport of Indianola. Gold and silver . . . — — Map (db m174478) HM
Created March 24, 1846
from Gonzales, Victoria
and Goliad counties;
Organized July 13, 1846,
with Cuero as the county seat
Named in honor of
Green De Witt
A Texas Empresario
Born in Kentucky September 16, 1797
Died in . . . — — Map (db m131927) HM
In 1867, Anton (1815-1889) and Lucyia (1830-1912) Koszielsky deeded land to the Roman Catholic Church for a graveyard to serve the parishioners of the growing Catholic community of Yorktown. In 1916, Jesse H. (1866-1943) and Constantine . . . — — Map (db m174457) HM
This church was established by Polish families who first came to Texas in the 1850s and settled in Panna Maria, then migrated to this area. A group of Polish Catholics split from the primarily German Catholic Church in Meyersville and joined the . . . — — Map (db m174454) HM
Soldiers and builders of Texas. York, born in Kentucky, came to Texas in 1821, was a captain in siege which expelled Mexican Army from Bexar, 1835. Gave site for Yorktown, 1847. Died in an Indian fight won by his men.
Eckhardt came from . . . — — Map (db m174481) HM
Among the many European immigrants arriving in Texas in the mid-19th century was a small group of Lithuanians who settled in the Yorktown vicinity of DeWitt County. Due to their eventual assimilation with the numerous German immigrants in the area, . . . — — Map (db m235022) HM
The small farming community of Shiloh began about 1847 with settlement by the McBride, Hamilton, McFarland, Odom, Anderson, and Woods families. In 1851 John Keith Rankin helped organize a Methodist Episcopal Church, whose members erected a . . . — — Map (db m132373) HM
(Panel 1)
Yorktown Texas was established as a small town in the spring of 1848 by Charles Eckhardt and Captain John York. The two gentlemen announced that ten acres would be deeded to the first ten settlers of this new town. A surveyor from . . . — — Map (db m174495) HM
