2 HISTORIC COURTHOUSES

Historic Courthouse	Location & Description
Former Robertson County Courthouse	30 58 50 N / -96 40 12 W [bounded by Burnet, China, Elm, & Hanna Streets, Calvert] Map Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 516.
Robertson County Courthouse	31 01 36 N / -96 29 14 W [Courthouse Square, Franklin] Map Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 173.

4 National Register Of Historic Places

Many of the National Register properties are also listed below as Texas Historic Markers.
Additional information is available at National Register - Robertson County.

AMERICAN MEMORY COLLECTION AT THE U.S. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

American Memory: The Historical Collection For The National Digital Library at the U.S. Library of Congress in Washington, DC is placing a variety of historic materials online.  The Special Collections in the Library of Congress contain the Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record (HABS/HAER) Collections (lcweb.loc.gov/rr/print/145_habs.html).  These include measured drawings, photographs, and data sheets documenting works of American architecture and engineering.  The following 12 Robertson County structures or groups of structures are included in this online collection.

72 Texas Historic Markers

Texas Historic Marker	Location & Description
Adams-White Place	30 52 26 N / -96 35 26 W [1105 Magnolia Street, Hearne] Map "Built 1896 by Horatio "Rashe" Adams, noted citizen and public relations man in Washington, D.C. The contractor was A. A. White. After 1911, the house was called the "Dr. John L. Black Place" for its owner. It was later sold to Mrs. Willie L. Moreland. In 1924, the house was purchased by Miss Lil White, present owner. Victorian in style, structure had a separate kitchen [now the garage] once supplied with water from a backyard artesian well." [#10896/1968]
Jacques Adoue Building	30 58 45 N / -96 40 28 W [506 Main Street [Hwy. 6], Calvert] Map "Relic of colorful career of Jacques Adoue [1851 - 1906], youngest of three French brothers who came to Texas [1860s] to become Calvert, Dallas, and Galveston business leaders. Jacques Adoue owned numerous enterprises. This store, built in 1884 for Collat, Adoue, and Risser Dry Goods, set an ambitious style for the town. It was said by friends that Adoue's death, years later from injuries sustained in Calvert Compress fire, marked passing of an era." [#10897/1973]
Allen Hardware Store	30 52 49 N / -96 35 42 W [111 Third Street [3rd & Magnolia Streets], Hearne] Map "Built 1872 on land purchased from International Railroad Company by Drew and Holt of Hearne. After ownerships by James Ferguson, W. T. Watt, R. A. Allen, and H. K. Davis, Allen bought store in 1891; was joined by son Robert. Their heirs still own and operate the store. Goods carried in the past included seeds, saddles, wagons, building hardware, implements, and coffins." [#10898/1968] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 270.
Robert Cyrus Allen Home	30 52 43 N / -96 35 45 W [402 Cedar Street, Hearne] Map (see photos above) "Hearnewood. Robert Cyrus Allen [1871 - 1933] had this Victorian residence built in 1900 as a wedding present for his wife Florence [Blair]. A prominent area merchant, banker, and civic leader, Allen also served as mayor of the city and was instrumental in the organization of the Hearne & Brazos Valley Railroad. This house, constructed on the site of his family home, was designed by the noted Waco architect W. W. Larmour. The exterior features decorative shingling and classical revival detailing. Interior furnishings include intricate woodwork and seven fireplaces." [#10899/1981]
Bald Prairie Cemetery	31 13 16 N / -96 25 53 W [junction FM 979 & FM 2096] Map "A leading citizen, Elijah Rains [1813 - 1889], who came to Texas from Tennessee in 1848 gave this burial ground to the public. Duck Creek people soon joined the Prairie people in its use. The earliest known burial was Walter Pirtle, date uncertain. The grave of Samuel E. Lightsey [1827 - 1872] has the oldest marker. Veterans of the Civil War and later conflicts are buried here. The Cemetery Association was formed in 1928. In 1957, Gilbert Sterling Ross added a donation of one acre to the original five-acre plot. Annual Memorial Day services honor some 700 marked graves." [#10900/1976] [see Bald Prairie Cemetery]
Bald Prairie Church of Christ	31 13 16 N / -96 25 57 W [junction FM 979 & FM 2096] Map "Organized in 1847, this fellowship worshipped with members of the Baptist Church until the groups separated in 1849. A log structure served the 15 charter members of this congregation as a church and school. Elijah Rains [1813 - 1889] donated land for the church and community cemetery. The present building, erected during the 1880s, doubled as a school for over 20 years. It also served as a funeral chapel and social and cultural center for the community. The classrooms were added in 1940. Descendants of early members still worship here." [#10901/1976]
Barton Home	30 59 02 N / -96 40 06 W [409 Maple Street [Mitchell & Maple Streets], Calvert] Map "After new home north of Calvert was destroyed by fire, Winnie Walker Burnitt Barton, widow of plantation owner Francis Davis Barton, built this structure in 1909. She intended the brick home with slate roof to withstand as many natural disasters as possible. Classical Revival in style, the house boasts colonnaded porches and balconies on three sides, 18-inch exterior walls, and 12-foot ceilings. The three Barton daughters hosted large house parties here." [#10902/1978]
Joseph & Catherine Bartula	31 10 20.7 N / -96 40 16.4 W [Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery, FM 2854 & FM 2413, Bremond] Map "Born in Poland, Joseph [1840-1919] and Catherine [1841-1907] Bartula overcame many hardships after migrating to Texas in 1873. They became the first Polish settlers in Robertson County in 1875. Assisted by J. C. and Mary Roberts, on whose farm he worked, Bartula wrote letters urging other Polish immigrants to join him. Soon 50 families arrived from Poland and 60 moved here from the Marlin area. By 1885, the town of Bremond had the largest Polish settlement in Texas, 345 families. Bartula later bought his own farm and became a leader in community and church affairs. The Bartulas had ten children." [#10904/1975] [see Bartula Journal & Polish Collection] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 396.
Brazos Manufacturing Company, C.S.A.	30 52 55.9 N / -96 34 44.2 W [east city limits on FM 391 in Hearne] Map This marker may not be correctly placed. The actual site of the Brazos Manufacturing Company is located on private land previously owned by the Easterwood family on Pin Oak Creek, to the right about a mile off the road [near 30 54 01 N / -96 32 06 W] when going from Black Jack toward Wheelock. Ruins remain; a small Easterwood Cemetery is rumored to exist at the site. "Established in 1863 on a Brazos River tributary. Intended to make flour and cloth of cotton and wool. Chartered by 9th Texas Legislature in all-out effort to supply the goods necessary to Confederate victory in the Civil War. Up to now Texas had not had factories because she could more economically trade agricultural products for manufactured goods. Wartime imports, however, were limited to small shipments run in through Federal coastal blockades. To finance its purchases of machinery, materials and labor, Brazos Manufacturing Company received cotton from Texas planters, especially in this area. Subscription of a bale of cotton gave a planter the right to export one bale for his own benefit. Since neither factory nor farm had any other way to pay running expenses than by cotton sales, much cotton was donated to the corporation. This corporation met the fate of many chartered by Texas during the Civil War: paper mills, bridge and ferry companies, iron works, railroads, foundries, cotton cards plants and others. Although Brazos Manufacturing Company did help to clothe army and civilians, its production was small and was achieved too late in the war." [#10903/1965]
Bremond	31 09 57 N / -96 40 32 W [117 S. Main Street, Bremond] Map "Part of the 1841 Mary Peterson grant, the land on this site was sold to William Baker and a group of investors in 1869. The investors immediately granted right-of-way to the Houston and Texas Central Railway. The first train pulled into Bremond, named for railroad executive Paul Bremond, in 1870. It was met by a crowd of more than 1,000. The town was incorporated and a post office opened that year with Sam Morehead as postmaster. By 1871 Bremond had several merchants, churches, three doctors, a law firm, a school and a newspaper called The Central Texan. Joseph Bartula and his family were among the first of many Polish immigrants to arrive in the 1870s. The town continued to grow throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1999, Bremond had an estimated population of 1,300." [#11694/2000] Photo to right from History Of Robertson County, p. 371.
Calvert	30 58 42 N / -96 40 26 W [Main [Hwy. 6] & Burnet Streets, Calvert] Map "Town Of Calvert. Swarming ox-carts and cotton wagons, busy stores and saloons, casino tables stacked with gold: this was early Calvert, a major cotton export and trade center. Community began as "Sterling," in Sterling C. Robertson colony of the 1820s. It was center of mustering and military supply activity in Civil War, 1861-1865. When Houston & Texas Central Railroad route was established here, 1868, town was moved 2 mi. to the right of way and renamed for Judge Robert Calvert, pioneer Texan, local landowner, benefactor, and civic leader-- a descendant of Lord Baltimore of Maryland." [#10905/1968] Photo to right from History Of Robertson County, p. 468.
Calvert Courthouse [also known as Hammond House]	30 58 50 N / -96 40 12 W [bounded by Burnet, China, Elm, & Hanna Streets, Calvert] Map (see photos above) "Former Calvert Courthouse. Most impressive public building in early Robertson County. After becoming county seat in 1870, Calvert lost many leaders in 1873 yellow fever epidemic. As planned, this courthouse was begun in 1875; but before its completion, Franklin was named county seat in 1879. Robert A. Brown, a merchant, investor, and planter, purchased this building in 1885. With help of his wife, Lucy Herndon Brown, he made it into a residence. In 1909, his heirs sold it to Mrs. Fannie L. Hammond, in whose family it remained until 1966, when it became a museum." [#10906/1968]
Calvert Foundry & Manufacturing Company	30 58 45 N / -96 40 29 W [502 Main Street [Hwy. 6], Calvert] Map "Old Calvert Foundry & Manufacturing Company. Founded in 1870 as one of Calvert's first industries, the building is of country-made brick; iron facade came from St. Louis. Iron ore from local deposits and from Cherokee County [100 miles Northeast] was hauled here by horse-drawn wagons to be made into form tools and other sturdy articles. Prominent Texans have owned this foundry. J. Adoue, member of a French family noted in state business, was an incorporator." [#10907/1969]
Camp Creek Cemetery	31 02 13 N / -96 21 18 W [US 79 east, FM 1940 south, CR 324] Map "In 1859, Ashbel Smith donated the ten acres for the cemetery. Smith, a medical doctor born in Hartford, Connecticut, came to Texas in 1837 and was an outstanding state leader. A log cabin, built on the northwest corner of the tract, served as a community school and church. The oldest grave marker is that of Lucy M. Turner [1824 - 1864]. While crossing Camp Creek in 1869, Ann Marjorie McQuistion [Mrs. Edward] McMillan was killed when a panther attacked her buggy horse. She was buried here along with many children who died of malaria and typhoid." [#10909/1976] [see Camp Creek Cemetery]
Camp Hearne	30 53 15 N / - 96 37 03 W [Hearne -- Not Yet Placed] Map  Texas Historic Marker Pending "During the Second World War, allied troops captured large numbers of Axis soldiers and transported them to prisoner of war camps established throughout the United States. More than 70 camps in Texas housed some 50,000 prisoners. In March 1942, Hearne Chamber of Commerce President Roy Henry contacted Congressman Luther Johnson to request that a camp be located here. Within a month, U.S. Army staff had inspected the area and selected 720 acres as a prison site. Construction of the camp began in September 1942 and was completed in six months. It was laid out in three sections, each of which included a mess hall, lavatory, company office and eight barracks. The first of almost 5,000 prisoners of war (POWs) arrived in June 1943. Most of the POWs housed here were non-commissioned officers (NCOs) of the famed German Afrika Korps captured in Tunisia. Because NCOs were not required to work in prison camps according to the Geneva Convention, they spent most of their time in recreational and educational activities while the bulk of the work in the camp fell to enlisted men who comprised about twenty percent of the prison population. In 1944, Camp Hearne became the central mail distribution point for all German POWs in the U.S., but poor supervision allowed a small group of Nazi sympathizers to infiltrate the system and intimidate and terrorize both prisoners and their families back in Germany until the scheme was discovered and the operation shut down in July 1945. A few hundred Japanese prisoners were brought here in the summer of 1945 shortly before the end of the War. All POWs were gone and the camp closed by January 1946." [see Camp Hearne Collection]
Casimir Drugstore	30 58 44 N  / -96 40 27 [512 Main Street [Hwy. 6], Calvert] Map "Sometime after 1869, Jean Pierre Casimir [died 1929], native of Toulouse, France, built this structure. His family operated drugstore here until 1949. A patio in the rear connected drugstore to the Palace Opera House, also owned and operated by the Casimir family." [#10910/1973]
Cavitt House	30 53 51 N / -96 23 41 W [1/2 mile west of Wheelock on FM 391] Map "Old Cavitt House. Republic of Texas homestead established when log cabin was built 1836. Main house of hand finished lumber, begun in 1842, completed in present form 1854. During 1840s and 1850s, was stage stop between Nacogdoches and San Antonio de Bexar. Cavitts were political followers of Sam Houston, friend and frequent guest here, who gave a desk to Volney Cavitt." [#10911/1964] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 108.
Chinese Farmers	30 58 41 N / -96 40 27 W [617 Main Street [Hwy. 6], Calvert] Map "Home Area Of Chinese Farmers. Imported from Asia about 1874 to help in cotton fields, these exotic workers were queues and attracted much notice. At least 24 families were brought here; many became permanent residents, respected for their good work. Over 25 ethnic groups settled in Texas-- many having preceded the Chinese. Other than American Indians, first permanent Texas settlers were cattle raisers from the Canary Islands. Other migrant groups included Cuban cigar makers and European lace makers. Given new opportunities, their descendants now are in industry, business, professions." [#10912/1968]
Church Of The Epiphany	30 58 47 N / -96 40 10 W [700 Gregg Street [corner Gregg & Elm], Calvert] Map "Organized June 6, 1870, by Bishop Gregg. Oldest church edifice erected in Calvert. Has been used continuously since parish was founded. Fine wood scrollwork and lancet windows compliment the Victorian architecture." [#10913/1967] Photo to top right from History Of Robertson County, p. 505.
Citizens Bank & Trust Company Building	30 58 41 N / -96 40 25 W [620 Main Street [Hwy. 6], Calvert] Map "Built 1868 by James S. Hanna, for a general store. Owned 1870 - 1871 by a Battle of San Jacinto veteran, the Revered Robert Crawford. Bought 1872 by J. S. McLendon, whose store and private bank were housed in the structure. In 1887 this was site of founding, first National Bank of Calvert; later renamed Union State Bank; finally Citizens Bank & Trust. Exterior remains 1887 style." [#10914/1968]
Cobb's Market	30 58 43 N / -96 40 29 W [515 Main Street [Hwy. 6], Calvert] Map "Original meat market here in 1868 was remodeled into present Victorian building of handmade brick in 1878, by Mrs. Ella Oscar. Original fixtures still used include wood burning stove of cast iron, marble top counters, meat saw rack." [#10915/1967]
Dunn Cemetery	30 51 58 N / -96 25 40 W [Wheelock] Map "Started in pioneer era on land of James and Isabella Caufield Dunn, who with 8 other families came from Ireland to America in 1821, living first in Charleston, S. C., then in Boligee, Ala. In Dec. 1833 they began trek to colony of Sterling C. Robertson by ox-wagons and carryalls. With the Dunns were families of Henry Caufield, Letitia Ellis and her daughter Elizabeth Watson, Henry and William Fullerton, Hugh and William Henry, the widow McMillan, and the Youngs. Burial of infant of James and Isabella Dunn [1836] opened this cemetery, used ever since by heirs of the pioneers." [#10916/1972] [see Dunn Cemetery] Photo to right from History Of Robertson County, p. 98.
El Camino Real [also known as Old San Antonio Road & Old Spanish Trail]	30 45 20.7 N / -96 27 03.9 W [1 mile east of Hwy 6 at Benchley on Old San Antonio Road; beside Staggers Point marker] Map "A trail of adventure, opportunity, hardships, and freedom, over which history stalked into Texas. To the Spanish, El Camino Real was a road travelled for the King - to colonize, christianize, seek adventure, and look for riches. This road became the most famous. Its many parts were made, discovered, or known hundreds of years before 1691, when Domingo Teran De Los Rios, first Texas governor, joined and marked the different trails for the King. It was the route from Monclavia [crossing the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass] to the missions of East Texas. Probably its trailblazers were buffalo and Indians, or Aztecs on trading expeditions. It was also possibly traveled, described, and changed in part by French explorer LaSalle; by Alonso de Leon & Father Damien Massanet planting missions in East Texas; and by the French nobleman St. Denis seeking trade along the Rio Grande. As the years wore on, it was traveled in 1820 by Moses Austin, as well as by thousands of settlers who followed him. San Augustine Nacogdoches and San Antonio were its principal cities and inns sprang up along the way. Soldiers and supply trains used it during the Texas Revolution, Mexican War, & Civil War. It is still followed in part by this highway." [#10908/1972] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 11.
Elmo Baptist Church	30 59 54 N / -96 37 29 W [near intersection of Hwy. 1644 & Elmo Road between Calvert & Franklin] Map "Site Of Elmo Baptist Church. W. Cox started a Sunday School at the Elmo schoolhouse [125 ft. SE] in 1899. Later that year, with the help of the Rev. R. M. Crawford, a Baptist church was organized. A separate sanctuary was built in 1907 and Baptist ministerial students served the congregation as weekend pastors. The school consolidated with the Calvert District [3 mi. W] in the 1940s and the church building was moved adjacent to the schoolhouse. Despite the declining population of the area, members continued to worship here until 1969 when they merged with the First Baptist Church of Calvert." [Note: the old church has been converted into a house.] [#10920/1980]
First Baptist Church Of Bremond	31 09 44 N / -96 40 52 W [705 S. Austin Street, Bremond] Map "Local lore dates the origin of this church to 1865; however, the earliest written source indicates that a Bremond Baptist Church was in existence by 1869. The first members met in vacant store buildings under the leadership of the Reverend Mr. Harris. In 1869 or 1870 the church joined the Waco Baptist Association. A red brick structure was erected on this site in 1871. An 1876 record lists the church as the first Missionary Baptist Church of Christ of Bremond. With a membership of 148 in 1879, the church began to prosper under the pastorate of the Reverend C. C. Lee. The congregation joined the Little Brazos Association in 1880 and drew up a church covenant four years later. In 1899, the church joined the Robertson County Baptist Association. By 1933 the church was well established and deeply invested in community and missionary work. Plans for new facilities were underway by June 2, 1945, when a check to apply to a new building was received. That night, a storm destroyed the roof of the original structure. Through insurance, loans from members, and gifts, construction on a modern edifice was completed in 1946. Church members gave their own monies to defray the church's debt. First Baptist church members have long been active in worship and service. Through missionary projects in Mexico and Brazil, local community work, interdenominational services, and educational support, the congregation continues in the traditions of its founders." [#11757/1998] Photos to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 390.
First Baptist Church	30 58 52 N / -96 40 15 W [corner Elm & Burnett, Calvert] Map "As early as 1835, Baptists were worshipping in this area. In 1868, when Calvert was founded, Houston & Texas Central Railroad donated lots for a church. Until a brick edifice was built in 1873 on that land [at Hanna and Pine], services were held in a private residence. This church was host [1875] to Baptist State Convention; [1875, 1878] the State Sunday School Convention; [1912] Hood's Texas Brigade Reunion. Sent [1907] Alyne Guynes Muirhead and [1915] Sammie Guynes Johnson as missionaries to Brazil. Since 1947, sponsors Mexican mission. Elmo Baptist Church merged with Calvert, 1969."  [#10921/1972]
First Baptist Church	30 52 40 N / -96 35 36 W [105 W. Davis Street [corner Davis & Magnolia], Hearne] Map "Organized April 18, 1869, as 'Hearne Station Baptist Church', with eleven charter members. After great revivals under the Reverend 'Major' Penn, and a gift of a site by incorporation of Southern Pacific Railroad, a Sanctuary was built in 1877. Pastor H. R. Carroll and congregation laid the cornerstone September 2, 1907, for a new auditorium adopting the name 'First Baptist Church'. On January 23, 1966, present church was dedicated under leadership of the Reverend James E. Scirratt. This congregation organized and in 1969 erected a building for a Mexican Baptist Mission." [#10922/1969] Photos to right from History Of Robertson County, p. 261.
First Presbyterian Church	30 58 55 N / -96 40 22 W [401 N. Barton Street [corner Beech & Barton], Calvert] Map "Built at Sterling before Civil War on land of Judge Robert Calvert, Texas legislator and descendant of Lord Baltimore [Maryland colonizer]. Stained glass in windows was imported. Other materials and labor were from Calvert's plantation. Calvert's heirs gave building to the church - then Cumberland Presbyterian. It was moved to Calvert in 1868, remodeled 1877, placed at this site 1913." [#10923/1967] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 509.
Franklin	31 01 30 N / -96 29 09 W [Hwy. 79 & FM 46, park near railroad tracks] Map "This community was established in 1872 and named Morgan for a railroad official. Located on the right-of-way of the International Railway Company, the town contained a depot and three stores in its first year. By 1879, the town had 200 residents and voters transferred the county seat from Calvert to Morgan. The community applied for a post office in 1880. Another Texas post office was named Morgan, so the town name was changed to Franklin after the name of the original county seat. A stone courthouse, designed by R. E. Ruffini, was completed in 1882. The town's first newspaper, the Franklin Weekly, was published by J. A. Keigewin. By 1885, Franklin had three hotels, three churches, and two gristmills. Mineral springs attracted people to the area for many years. A cemetery was formally established in 1880 at a site where several graves were already in existence. The community's first school building, a frame structure, burned in 1894 and another was erected. The First National Bank of Franklin was charted in 1905; the First State Bank was established in 1913. A Carnegie Library was built and equipped with an auditorium. By the 1970s, Franklin, an incorporated community, had a mayor-council form of city government." [#10924/1997]
Franklin Carnegie Library	31 01 37 N / -96 29 02 W [corner Decker & Owensville Streets, near Hwy. 79] Map "The City of Franklin housed a library of 1,000 volumes in its city hall before 1913. In February that year, Franklin Mayor R. M. Cole [1848 - 1931] applied to the Carnegie Corporation of New York for funds to build a new library. The Carnegie Corporation approved plans and granted $17,500 to the project. This building with classical details and a pressed metal roof resembling tiles was designed by an architect named Patterson and completed in 1914, though it served as a library only through 1918. School classes and public activities were held here through 1984." [#10925/1986] Top photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 212.
Franklin Cemetery	31 00 57 N / -96 28 54 W [junction FM 462 & CR 324, 1.5 miles south of Franklin] Map "The community of Franklin was originally established in 1872, and named Morgan for an official of the International Railway Company. By 1879, the town had 200 residents. When the community applied for its post office, another Texas post office was named Morgan, so residents changed the name to Franklin after the original county seat. a five-acre plot of land for a graveyard was deeded to Robertson County in 1880 as part of an incentive to persuade officials to locate the county courthouse in Franklin. However, six tombstones on this site predate its official designation as a graveyard. The first recorded burial is that of Elizabeth Calvert in 1869. Among the more than 1,300 graves are members of fraternal organizations, and veterans of the Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. C. N. Brigance, veteran of the War of 1812, also is buried here. Interments include those of former city and county officials, state legislators E. A. Decherd and T. L. Goodman, and four local musicians who achieved national fame. The Franklin Cemetery continues to serve the citizens of Franklin and Robertson County as it has for more than 100 years." [#10926/1997] [see Franklin Cemetery ]
Grace United Methodist Church	31 09 55 N / -96 40 47 W [317 S. Austin Street, Bremond] Map "This congregation was founded in 1868 as the Bremond Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with the Reverend John R. White serving as pastor. The earliest worship services were held in private homes or in the community's Union church. Two early Methodist church buildings were rebuilt after damage from windstorms, and a new sanctuary replaced the one lost in a 1949 fire. The congregation changed its name to "Grace Methodist Church" in the 1950s." [#10927/1985]
Dr. Benjamin Franklin Hammond	30 58 53 N / -96 40 07 W [Calvert Cemetery] Map "Prominent physician, planter, industrialist, political leader. As a ;man of wealth, came [1852] to Texas from Huntsville, Alabama, with family, slaves, cattle, horses, and ox-train of property. Bought extensive lands here. After Civil War, gave about 160 acres to each household of his ex-slaves, but carpetbaggers nevertheless put him in Calvert's tree prison. Married four times; had a son William Eli Hammond; two grandchildren." [#10928/1973]
Hammond	31 05 43.7 N / -96 42 53.4 W [6 miles north of Calvert on Hwy. 6] Map "Site Of Extinct Town Of Hammond. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Hammond moved here from Alabama in 1853 and built a plantation home about a mile to the west. Neighbors included James Love and Robert S. McCall. Hammond depot and post office were opened at this point on the Houston & Texas Central Railroad after the doctor granted right-of-way through his land in 1869. Near the depot, used by planters for their shipping, were a few stores. As the railroad declined, the town had vanished by 1950. Area residents are mostly the descendants of persons given land at emancipation [1865] by Dr. Hammond and other planters." [#10917/1976]
Harvey Massacre	31 02 48.4 N / -96 42 37.8 W [5 miles north of Calvert on Hwy. 6] Map "At this site one Sunday night in November 1836, the family of John Harvey was attacked by an Indian raiding party. Harvey, his wife, and son were all killed, Mrs. Harvey's blood staining the open pages of the family bible. Their daughter Ann Elizabeth, aged 5, and a servant girl were taken captive, later to be sold as slaves. The price of Ann Elizabeth was a few blankets. After four years in Mexico, Ann Elizabeth was recovered by her Uncle, James Talbot of Alabama. In 1848 she wed Sanders Briggs and in 1853 they moved to Texas where they built a home -- ironically -- near the site of the massacre." [#10918/1972]
James Alfred Head	31 16 03 N / -96 29 59 W [Ebenezer Or Headsville Cemetery, Headsville] Map "Soldier, Texas War for Independence. Congressman, Republic of Texas, 1841-1842." [#10929/1962]
Hearne	30 52 48 N / -96 35 49 W [Hearne City Hall, 3rd & Cedar Streets] Map "City Of Hearne. Situated on land originally granted [1830] to Francisco Ruiz, commander of Fort Tenoxtitlan. The first first settler, S. Code Brown, operated a tavern, stage stand, store, and post office which served a large area. Among the southern planters coming here [1852] were Ebenezer and Horatio Hearne, who later titled 5,000 acres of land. Mrs. Christopher Columbus Hearne honored promise of her husband by donating 700 acres to Houston & Texas Central when the railroad built to this site in 1868. The town, platted in 1870 and named for the Hearne family, was incorporated in 1871." [#10930/1971]
Ebenezer Hearne Cemetery	30 49 57 N / -96 33 20 W [5 miles south of Hearne on Old Hearne-Bryan Road] Map Located on land owned by David Ely [not open to public viewing due to difficulty of terrain]. "Located adjacent to the former mansion site of "Estate Place Plantation," owned by Ebenezer and Minerva Walker Hearne, this burial area contains graves of Ebenezer [1817-69] and Minerva [1815- ?] Hearne, their daughter Icephena Hearne Dunklin [1849-74] and several children, names not recorded; a landmark of pioneer days when the Hearne families [1850's settlers] opened cotton plantations that prospered the area. Home of Horatio Hearne, the brother of Ebenezer, stood three miles to the south. Memorial plaque donated by descendants of Ebenezer Hearne." [#10919/1971] [see Ebenezer Hearne Cemetery]
Hearne Depot	30 53 06 N / -96 35 53 W [Hearne -- Not Yet Placed] https://hearnedepot.org/ Map
S. M. Howard House	30 58 44 N / -96 40 11 W [404 Gregg Street, Calvert] Map "This Eastlake style cottage was constructed by Mrs. S. M. Howard [d. 1932] in 1897, one year after she purchased the property from her sister-in-law Mrs. E. C. Morse. The home's outstanding features include fish-scale shingling, a wide veranda with intricate gingerbread ornamentation, and interior woodwork detailing. Representative of Calvert at the turn of the century, the house remained in the Howard family until the 1940s." [#10931/1982]
Iron Pillars Marking West End Of Old Brazos River Bridge	30 43 55.2 N / -96 33 40.5 W [about 2 miles west of Mumford] Map This marker was placed to the right just before the railroad tracks past the Mumford School. It has, however, been vandalized and is now located in the Collier Store awaiting repair and replacement in a different location across the street. "An 1895 engineering victory - longest Brazos Bridge in that era - spanning heavy flow below ford of 'Little River' [San Andres] with 'Big Brazos'. This bridge stood where immemorial Indian trails crossed the river. Later these paths became part of the El Camino Real [The King's Highway]. About a mile downstream, in 1830, Fort Tenoxtitlan was established. In 1855, Jesse Mumford [founder of Mumford] operated a ferry at the trail crossing. Authorized by Commissioners Court of Robertson County, this landmark iron bridge served until removed by a flood in 1899." [#?/1968] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 319.
Edward McMillan	31 02 13 N / -96 21 18 W [Camp Creek Cemetery, 8 miles east of Franklin] Map "A San Jacinto veteran. Born in Ireland, 1814; died in 1865. His wife, Ann Marjorie McQuistion McMillan; born in Tennessee, died in 1879." [#10933/1936]
A Century Of The Methodist Church	30 52 44N / -96 35 42 W [408 S. Magnolia Street [corner Magnolia & First], Hearne] Map "Methodists of Hearne organized their church in November 1870 with the Reverend Horace Bishop as pastor. In 1884, the Reverend Seth Ward became pastor. A church was constructed at this location in 1885. [Later the Reverend Mr. Ward was the first native Texan to be a bishop in the Methodist Church.] Through gifts and pledges of the membership, present edifice was built, 1931; renovated, 1965. Having adopted name "Grace" in 1948, congregation became Grace United Methodist Church in 1968 and observed 100th anniversary of Methodism in Hearne in 1970." [#10932/1972] Bottom photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 263.
Mistrot-Adoue House	30 58 51 N / -96 40 23 W [303 Mitchell Street [Pine & Mitchell Streets], Calvert] Map "This house was built in the 1870s by Henry B. Mistrot or Bertrand Adoue. Mistrot was a partner in business with Adoue's brother Jacques. The two-story residence features characteristics of the Greek revival and Victorian styles. The French influence of the owners is reflected in the use of fleur-de-lis patterns in the woodwork. A prominent area businessman, Jacques Adoue bought the home in 1888 and it remained in the family until 1977." [#10934/1980]
Mumford	30 43 55 N / -96 33 40 W [Mumford -- Not Yet Placed] Map  Texas Historic Marker Pending
Nesbitt Cemetery & Beck Prairie Baptist Church	31 05 08 N / -96 35 52 W [8 miles south of Bremond on FM 46, west on CR 127, Nesbitt] Map "Beck Prairie is believed to have been named after Tennessee native Absalom Beck, a farmer here in 1850. The name changed to Nesbitt when postal officials misspelled Nisbett, the name of the family whose store became the site of the new post office in 1900. In 1875 the Beck Prairie Missionary Baptist Church was organized by William D. Anderson and B. L. Wright.  Its first sanctuary was built on land donated by Jacob and Elizabeth [Crouch] Anderson in 1878. Early interments took place in family cemeteries until A. J. Sharp, Sr. purchased Methodist Church property at this site in 1875 and donated it to the community for burial and school purposes. The first recorded burial was that of infant Florence McCrary in 1875. In 1895, Hinnard Lee and Mary Frances [Murphee] Faulk donated two acres about two mile Northeast of here to the Beck Prairie Baptist Church. A sanctuary built at the new location was damaged by storm winds in 1915 and subsequently repaired. The Beck Prairie Church disbanded in 1956. The church property was transferred to the Nesbitt Cemetery in 1982. The cemetery, maintained by descendants of persons buried here, contains veterans of the Civil War, World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam conflicts." [#10935/1993] [see Nesbitt/Beck Prairie Cemetery]
New Baden	31 03 03 N / -96 25 46 W Map "Founded by German, Prussian, & Swiss immigrants in 1881, New Baden was named for the German town of Baden-Baden. The immigrants built a central building known as the Colony House to provide lodging for families while homes were under construction. Located on the route of the International & Great Northern Railroad, the town soon boasted stores, churches, a school, and a railroad station. Most of the residents were farmers and the economy was based on agriculture. Population declined in the 1940s, but New Baden remains a viable rural community." [#11754/1997] [see New Baden Collection]
Norwood Cemetery	30 53 11.0 N / -96 35 18.1 W [Hearne] Map "Though the oldest known grave on this site was made for Mary Stroud Bolton in 1870, the year it was deeded to the City of Hearne, stories persist that patients of the Sisters of Charity Hospital that once overlooked the cemetery were buried on this site. Among the nameless may be the Irish and Chinese immigrants who built the railroad in this region. Other significant burials include those of Confederate soldier C. W. Gardner and prominent area families Hearne and Lewis. Norwood Cemetery continues to be the primary burial site for the city." [#11755/1997] [see Norwood Cemetery ]
Owensville	31 04 23 N / -96 31 09 W [junction FM 979 & FM 46] Map "Site Of Owensville. Robertson County's third county seat was located here, 1855 - 1869, on land given by D. H. Love [1816 - 1866]. The town was Owensville, named for Harrison Owen [1803 - 1896], who was the first county clerk, 1838 - 1847. Public officials, doctors, lawyers, businesses moved here and town thrived. It was on the Houston-Waco mail, stage, and freighting road. As Civil War county seat [1861 - 1865] this place armed and dispatched soldiers and cared for civilians. After Houston & Texas Central Railway bypassed Owensville in 1868, county records were moved to Calvert. Owensville Cemetery, oldest in the county, marks townsite." [#10936/1974] [see Owensville]   Sketch to left from Owensville Marker Dedication brochure. Color photo to right by Dr. Habib U. & Martha Jean (Baxter) Rahman. Black & white photo to right from History Of Robertson County, p. 133.
The Parish Carriage House	30 58 51 N / -96 40 07 W [Hanna & Pin Oak Streets, Calvert] Map "In 1892 wealthy merchant, cotton buyer, and banker L. H. Parish [1846-1924] and his wife Mattie bought this property. Soon they erected this carriage house with ornate Victorian styling to match their home. Plans for both structures came from the mail order catalogue of noted architect George Franklin Barber [1854-1915]. The first floor was designed to house the bay horses, elegant carriages and also a tack and feed room. The driver's living quarters were on the second floor. Incise in base: Sponsored by Walker R. Gray, Jr." [#10937/1980]
Philen House [Westbrook-Philen-Byrd Home]	30 52 38 N / -96 35 39 W [604 Magnolia Street, Hearne] Map "Built in 1904 by Jeannie Carr Randle Westbrook, widow of Colonel Titus C. Westbrook, one of the wealthiest, most successful planters in Texas with extensive holdings in the Brazos Valley. Colonel Westbrook purchased the west half of block forty-nine of the City of Hearne in 1892 shortly before his death. Upon his death these lots were willed to his brother. Colonel Westbrook's widow [Jeanne] purchased the lots from his brother in 1894 and purchased the east half of the block in 1895. The twelve room, three story Colonial mansion was two years under construction and was completed in 1904. Jeanne Westbrook died in 1921 in Waco, Texas while attending a meeting of the Daughters of the Confederacy. Her estate was placed in receivership and Warren A. Wilkerson was the court appointed receiver. The house was sold at public auction at the courthouse in Franklin, Texas on January 3, 1924, to Ellen Hudson, wife of A. G. Hudson, for $9,000. Slightly more than one month later, Mr. and Mrs. Hudson sold the house for $9,000 to James Gilbert Philen and wife Mae D. Philen. Mr. Philen came to Hearne in 1911 and was made cashier of the Planters and Merchants State Bank. He was made President in 1927 and served in this capacity until his death in 1949 at the age of 71 years. Mr. and Mrs. Philen had one child, a son, James Gilbert Philen, Jr. During his ownership, an elevator was installed to accommodate his wife's mother who came to live with them in her later years. Mr. and Mrs. Philen had three grandchildren: Barbara, Joan, and Nancy. In March, 1975, J. G. Philen, Jr. sold the house to Cecil and Theresa Brooks who made it their home until July, 1983. The house was then sold to a trust for Pamela Faulkner. During this time a great deal of reconstruction was done to the house, including new wiring, plumbing, and central heat and air were added. In December of 1983, Pamela Faulkner conveyed the house to the Jupiter Road Baptist Church in Garland, Texas. The church owned it until May, 1987, when it was sold to Kenneth and Janna Byrd of Tomball, Texas. Mr. Byrd was born and reared in Houston, Texas, the seventh child of J. B. Byrd and wife, Thelma. Mr. Byrd's great grandfather was Ike Byrd of Easterly and his grandfather was Dick Byrd who lived at Lake Station near Easterly on one of the family farms until 1921. The family moved to Waller, Texas and finally settled in Houston. Mrs. Byrd is the daughter of Major [Retired] Jack F. Milstead and wife, Vera, of Killeen, Texas. Both Mr. and Mrs. Byrd had grandparents who lived in Robertson County. At the time Mr. and Mrs. Byrd purchased the house it had fallen into a state of disrepair. It had remained vacant since 1983 and the reconstruction begun by the Faulkners was incomplete. The house did not have a kitchen and there were no bathrooms on the second floor. In 1984, the water pipes had frozen and burst. The house suffered extensive water damage. Mr. and Mrs. Byrd began to repair the damage and complete the reconstruction begun by the Faulkners. Mr. and Mrs. Byrd moved into the guest house in January of 1990 while the repairs were being completed and began living in the main house in December, 1990." Marker doesn't have an inscription; text taken from a brochure provided by Mrs. Byrd. [#10940/1962]
Randolph-Field Place	30 58 47 N / -96 40 07 W [800 China Street, Calvert] Map "One of Calvert's earliest houses, Greek Revival in style. Built about 1871 by George F. Randolph, local merchant, said to have been a kinsman of U. S. President Thomas Jefferson. Randolph and his bride, Lucy Garrett, lived here until he died in 1873 yellow fever epidemic. The widow married [1878] Scott Field, a rising statesman who in 1887-91 was a United States Congressman. House remained in the Field family until 1941." [#10938/1970]
Captain Henry Reed	31 01 18 N / -96 36 02 W [Mount Vernon Cemetery, 6 miles east of Calvert] Map "Participated in the Battle of San Jacinto and later in 1836 commanded a volunteer company. Born in Tennessee November 10, 1800; died November 11, 1854." [#10939/1936]
Sheriff Bob Reeves	31 00 57 N / -96 28 54 W [Franklin Cemetery] Map "Born at Ridge, Texas, served 1937 - 1951 as Sheriff of Robertson County and attracted statewide notice when he directed the 1947 capture of a bank robber. He and his wife Oda had two children: Imogene and Bob, Jr." [#10941/1968] Photo to right from History Of Robertson County, p. 193.
Robertson County	31 02 11 N / -96 28 00 W [roadside park between Franklin & New Baden, near the extinct Englewood community site] Map "Settled by people of Tennessee under an 1822 contract held by Sterling Clack Robertson [1785 - 1842] who later signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. Colony and county were named for him. County was created December 14, 1837; organized March, 1838. County seats: Old Franklin 1838 - 1850; Wheelock, 1850 - 1855; Owensville, 1855 - 1869; Calvert, 1870 - 1879; Franklin, since 1879. Sent five troop companies into Confederate service in Civil War. Established mill to make flour, cotton, and wool cloth. Furnished cotton, cards, medicines, bacon, and salt to soldiers' families." [#10942/1965] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 362.
Robertson County Courthouse	31 01 36 N / -96 29 14 W [Franklin] Map (see photos above) "Erected in 1882 at a cost of $30,000, this white limestone building is the fourth to serve as Robertson County Courthouse. In 1879 the county seat had been moved for the fifth time to Morgan, on the International & Great Northern Railroad. But because Texas already had a post office named Morgan, the town was renamed Franklin for the first county seat, which was named for pioneer Will Franklin. Plans for a courthouse were begun that year and in 1881 the construction was started under F. E. Ruffini, Architect. Since then the building has been remodeled." [#10943/1968]
Sneed Memorial Methodist Church	30 58 50 N / -96 40 20 W [Beech & Mitchell Streets, Calvert] Map "This congregation, organized in 1869 as the Calvert Methodist Church, built its first sanctuary on this site in 1872. Among the early pastors were [1885 - 1886] the Reverend Seth Ward, later first native Texan to be named a Methodist bishop; and [1895 - 1899] the Reverend Dr. James Kilgore, a founder of Southern Methodist University. In 1923 when the present church building was erected, the name was changed in memory of the Reverend Joseph Perkins Sneed [1804 - 1881], a circuit rider who came to Texas in 1838, then served for many years in Robertson and Milam County churches." [#10947/1975] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 503.
Saint Paul Methodist Church	30 58 51 N / -96 40 45 W [101 Pecan Street [corner Pecan & Hwy. 979], Calvert] Map "This congregation organized in 1872 as St. Paul Methodist Episcopal Church, North. After their first church building burned, members of St. Paul moved quickly to replace it. Using salvageable material from the old sanctuary as well as new materials, noted area carpenter and church member Charlie Terrill completed this building in 1900. Since that time it has served as a place of worship for the congregation and as a center for community activities. Members hosted the West Texas Annual Methodist Conference here in 1913. A fine example of the Gothic Revival style, St. Paul church features a central tower, pointed-arch windows and fish-scale shingles on the gables." [#12590/2001]
Spikner High School	30 58 18 N / -96 40 50 W [Calvert -- Not Yet Placed] Map  Texas Historic Marker Pending
St. Mary's Catholic Church	31 10 18 N / -96 40 19 W [800 N. Main Street [Corner FM 2954 & FM 2413], Bremond] Map New church building cornerstone dated 1971; building described on marker no longer exists. "Founded 1876 to serve Poles settling in Bremond that decade. First church built 1879. Since 1908 [date of this edifice] has been parish school. Fathers A. Krypajtis [died 1907] and I. J. Szymanski [died 1941] led building of this Gothic structure. Parish made sacrifices, gave much labor to create edifice of old world charm. Font and sacred art came from the 1879 structure. Settlers and heirs come yearly from far away to worship here." [#10944/1969] [see Polish Collection] Photos to right from History Of Robertson County, p. 398.
St. Philips Episcopal Church	30 52 42 N / -96 35 45 W [408 Cedar Street [corner First & Cedar], Hearne] Map "W. B. Wadsworth [1843 - 1916] and J. G. Wilkerson [1847 - 1903] moved their families to the Hearne area from Matagorda. With their help, this church was founded in 1871. It was named in honor of the Reverend J. W. Philips who preached the first sermon. This property was donated to the congregation by the New York & Texas Land Company. Services were conducted in a wooden church building until the present Gothic Revival structure was completed in 1912." [#10945/1979] Photo to right from History Of Robertson County, p. 260.
Staggers Point	30 45 20.7 N / -96 27 03.9 W [1 mile east of Hwy 6 at Benchley on Old San Antonio Road; beside El Camino Real marker] Map "Earliest large community in Robertson's colony. Settled by Irishmen who came to America in 1821; lived in South Carolina and then in Alabama; and in 1829 sent west an emissary, Robert Henry, to find a permanent location. In 1833, their ox-wagon train arrived, and log cabins were built. By 1836, kinsmen had joined early arrivals to strengthen settlement. Community name, meaning "Strivers' Point" in dialect, was probably given for rugged zeal of settlers in face of hardships. James Dunn built a fort, to give neighborhood a refuge during Indian raids. In War for Independence, 1835-36, Staggers Point men fought in major actions, including the April 21, 1836, Battle of San Jacinto, which freed Texas from Mexico. In 1830s and 40s, the Irish were compelled to keep up their defenses against the Indians. Women as well as men earned respect for skill with "long guns." In time their village had a church, stores, cotton gin, race track, and taverns, and was invaded by gamblers and ruffians drawn to the races. Until the settlers subdued the lawless, duels and gunplay were common. This remained a progressive community until 1868, when Houston & Texas Central Railway bypassed it, and business waned. Descendants still honor the settlers. Original settlers: William Henry, Mary F. Henry Dixon, James M. Dixon, Ann McMillan, Henry & Sarah Fullerton, Robert & Elizabeth Henry, George H. Fullerton, John R. & Sarah Peyton, Jimnive Henry Rice, William Fullerton, Hugh & Elizabeth Henry, James A. Henry, Bradford & Mary Henry Seale, Columbus & Elizabeth Henry Seale, James & Isabella Dunn" [#10948/1973]
Isaac Phillip Stem	31 14 57 N / -96 25 13 W [Wesley Chapel Cemetery, 16 miles north of Franklin on FM 979, north of Bald Prairie] Map "Tennessee native Isaac Phillip Stem enlisted in Western Frontier service in that state in 1836. In October 1836, he moved to Texas and joined the Republic of Texas Army at Houston. Continuing to serve in the military, Stem was a participant in the Battle of Plum Creek on 8.12.1840, in present Caldwell County. The battle was fought between Texas soldiers and Comanche Indians, who had raided the coastal towns of Linnville and Victoria. Stem served in the Somervell Campaign of 1841 and was a member of a cavalry of mounted volunteers during the Mexican War. After his discharge from the Texas troops in 1846, Stem joined the US Infantry at Corpus Christi, Texas and continued in the war with Mexico. Discharged at Monterey due to illness, he later returned to Tennessee and joined the Tennessee Volunteers at Memphis. He later transferred into the US Infantry once again. Isaac Phillip Stem and his wife, Lucy Ann Weaks, were the parents of eight children. The family moved to Robertson County in 1869 and Stem became a farmer and rancher. He died in 1893 and was buried here beside his wife." [#10949/1988]
Sterling Cemetery	30 59 05 N / -96 42 26 W [two miles west of Calvert on FM 979 to CR 116] Map This cemetery is on private property and is not easily accessible. A fenced-in area is visible from the road where a handful of tombstones remain. This is only a small portion of the cemetery. Other markers can be found on several acres in the surrounding fields which are now somebody's pasture. "Burial place of some 400 Texas pioneers and descendants. On land granted [1835] to A. J. Webb; bought in 1850 by Judge Robert Calvert, a civic leader in Sterling, a town named for empresario Sterling C. Robertson. Calvert dedicated 11.1-acre cemetery and built adjacent Cumberland Presbyterian Church of his own plantation timber. In 1867, Judge Calvert died and was buried near cemetery gate. The church building was moved by oxen to new town of Calvert [2 mi. E]. In 1868, his wife, Mary Keesee Calvert, and their three daughters deeded cemetery site to the Cumberland Presbyterians." [#10950/1973] [see Sterling Cemetery]
Stricker-Sneed House	30 58 57 N / -96 40 12 W [503 Pin Oak Street, Calvert] Map "Victorian house built in 1900 by Herman L. and Katy Stricker, business, civic, social leaders. Stricker was a jeweler; his wife, daughter of Confederate General William H. Hamman. Mrs. Stricker led in movement to erect League of Women's meeting house, now the Calvert Library building. In 1913, banker H. Marvin Sneed and his wife Cara [Weber] bought the house; their heirs sold it to Mr. and Mrs. Kimbrough Gray, 1970." [#10951/1973] [see Pin Oak Bed & Breakfast]
Suggs Cemetery	30 52 53 N / -96 31 59 W [4 miles east of Hearne on FM 391, south on county road, Black Jack] Map "Calvin A. Suggs and his family came to Texas from Georgia in the late 1860s. They settled in this area about 1868 and Suggs purchased 80 acres of land. This cemetery was established on Suggs' land and has served as the principal burial ground for the Black Jack community for over a century. The oldest documented grave here is that of Jera William McWilliams who died on October 11, 1880. Many pioneer settlers of this area are interred in the Suggs Cemetery in marked and unmarked graves. It serves as a reminder of the area's early heritage." [#10952/1989] [see Suggs Cemetery]
Thompson Cemetery	31 15 01 N / -96 23 51 W [2.5 miles north of Bald Prairie on FM 979 to CR 478] Map “A native of North Carolina, Benjamin Rush Thompson [1811 – 1880] migrated to Milam County in the Republic of Texas in 1841. Thompson was a Mason and according to the census of 1850 a Methodist clergyman. He moved his family to Robertson County after 1855. Thompson set aside a portion of his land as a family burial ground in 1873, after the death of his son William M. [b 1852]. Only five of the thirteen graves are marked with inscribed stones. Thompson and his wife Margaret [1819 – 1880] are both buried here.” [#10953/1985] [see Thompson Cemetery]
Virginia Field Park	30 58 59 N / -96 40 08 W [Burnett Street between Pin Oak & Maple, Calvert] Map "Land given to Calvert 1868 for use as a park by the Houston & Texas Central Railroad. Co C. 4th Texas Infantry Regiment, Hood's Texas Brigade, under Major William Townsend, mustered nearby in 1865. Was site during Reconstruction, 1868 - 1873, of 'Sky Parlor' [room built on pole, as a tree house] to serve as prison for Southern sympathizers. In 1895 and 1912, Hood's Texas Brigade Association entertained here. The Victorian pavilion and two gazebos were built 1895 for concerts, gatherings, and dancing. The park was named in 1937 for landscaper, Mrs. Virginia Field." [#10954/1968]
Walnut Creek Cemetery	31 10 56 N / -96 36 27 W [7 miles east of Bremond  on FM 2293 to Redbank Creek Road] Map "The Walnut Creek community was established in the 1850s with the arrival of several farming families. J. Grant Taylor came as a child to this area with his parents. Tradition says the Walnut Creek Cemetery began before 1869 with the death of a two-year-old girl. She was the daughter of a horse trader who lived nearby. Taylor gave permission for the child's burial on his 30-acre tract of land. The unmarked grave is at this site under a cedar tree. The first marked grave is located under the same cedar tree and is that of Sarah Lane Johnson [1866-1869], daughter of P. and S. H. Johnson. About 1871 Taylor donated two acres for a burial ground, Union meetinghouse, and school building. Since area students attended Stump Toe School [3 mi. N], a structure was not built here until 1888. Baptist, Church of Christ, and Methodist congregations held services here, constructing brush arbors on the grounds in the summers. Classes were held in the school building until World War II when Walnut Creek consolidated with Bremond schools. Afterward, the schoolhouse was used for annual memorial services. This cemetery is all that remains to mark the Walnut Creek community." [#10955/1979] [see Walnut Cemetery]
Wheelock	30 53 58 N / -96 23 32 W [State & High Streets, FM 391 & FM 46] Map "Founded in 1833 by Colonel Eleazar Louis Ripley Wheelock, soldier, lawyer, and educator. One of the organizers of Robertson's Colony. Captain of Texas Rangers. Died in Edwardsville, Illinois in 1846 while visiting the place of his birth." [#10956/1936] [see Wheelock - Texas State Cemetery] Photo to left from History Of Robertson County, p. 98.
Wheelock	30 53 59 N / -96 23 34 W Map "Eleazar Louis Ripley Wheelock [1793 - 1847] came to Texas from Illinois in 1830. A surveyor for Robertson's Colony, he established a town on his land along the Old San Antonio Road. Named Wheelock in 1837, the town boasted twenty businesses by the 1840s, including general stores, land and freight offices, and a cotton gin. By 1845 Wheelock was a transportation hub in central Texas. A post office was established in 1846, and the town was Robertson County seat from 1850 to 1856. Bypassed by the railroad in the 1860s, Wheelock declined; many of its citizens moved to Hearne." [#11756/1997] [see Wheelock - Texas State Cemetery]
General Walter Washington Williams	31 01 22 N / -96 25 23 W Map [Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 4 miles east of Franklin on FM 2466] "Reputed to have been last surviving soldier of the Civil War [1861-1865]. Born in Ittawamba County, Miss., Williams [Nov. 14, 1842 - Dec. 19, 1959] during the war was a forage master for the celebrated Hood's Texas Brigade. Soon after the war he moved to Texas and farmed near here. He was twice married and had a large family, with descendants numbering over 200 when he died. He had lived very quietly until in extreme old age he gained fame as one of a very few remaining veterans. After the nation lost all other men who had fought in the Civil War, he was given honorary rank of General by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. When General Williams died in Houston at home of a daughter, President Eisenhower proclaimed a period of national mourning. Williams rests here in Mount Pleasant Cemetery among families who migrated to Texas and braved the dangers of the frontier for years before he came. This is one of the oldest public burial grounds in Robertson County, situated within boundaries of colony planned north of El Camino Real by the pioneer Sterling C. Robertson, from Tennessee. The Robertson Colony was founded in the 1820s and was a major civilizing influence in East Texas." [#10957/1970]
Wootan Wells	31 08 17 N / -96 43 11 W [Hwy. 6 & FM 1373, 2.5 miles west of Bremond] Map "Famous early health spa and resort. First well was dug 1878 by landowner Francis Wootan. Water tasted good, but turned dishes yellow and clothes red. Even so, it seemed to possess amazing curative properties. Wootan soon built a hotel and in 1879 a resort town made its debut. He formed a promotion company with T. W. Wade and more hotels, a bottling works, dance pavilion, and school sprang up. Leading socialites came from miles to 'take the waters'. Disaster struck in 1915 when fire swept the town. In 1921 the last buildings also burned." [#10958/1969] [see Wootan Wells Collection] Wootan Wells Photos Photos to left & right from History Of Robertson County, pp. 420-423. Photo above is from an old postcard.

11 Other Markers & Commemorative Plaques

6 Nearby Texas Historic Markers In Neighboring Counties