Historical Markers in
Austin County, Texas

Alexander Glenn Family Graveyard Bellville Bellville General Hospital Bellville High School Bellville Turnverein Pavilion Buckhorn Cemetery Charles Fordtran Citizens State Bank Concord Cemetery Coshatte Cemetery Cumings Family Vault David Shelby Dr. James West Bostick E. O. Finn Building Early Roads to San Felipe Education in Industry Elemelech Swearingen Engelking Cemetery First Czech Immigrants in Texas First National Bank of Bellville Fisches Park Frank Cemetery Friedrich Ernst Frnka Family Cemetery Frydek Catholic Cemetery Guardian Angel Catholic Church Hackbarth Building Hackfield Farm Harigel House, The Hartsville Cemetery Haynes Mattress Factory Haynes-Felcman House Haynie-Embrey House Henniger Family Cemetery Hess-Kollatschny Farm House Hill House Huebner Family Cemetery Industry Industry Brethren Church Cemetery Industry Cotton Gin Industry Methodist Church Industry Pilgrims Rest Cemetery Industry Post Office Industry State Bank Industry United Methodist Cemetery J. J. Josey General Store James Bradford Pier Joachim H. Hintz John Bell Lewis Home John Friedrich Ernst, Jr. John Reichle General Merchandise (Welcome Store) John Shelburne Cemetery John Wesley Kenney Josef Lidumil Leshikar Joseph L. Leshikar House L. A. and Adelheid Machemehl House Lambert House Liedertafel Lindemann Store Lindemann-Ott House Machemehl Cemetery Magruder-Cannon-Bryan Home Martin Allen Mary Theresa Juergens McGregor Cemetery (Scottish Presbyterian Cemetery) Meinecke Cemetery Michael Robert Pilley Millheim Harmonie Verein Montgomery Cemetery Mt. Zion Baptist Church Near This Site Stood a Town Hall New Ulm Cemetery Oak Knoll Cemetery Old Roesler Place, The Old Travis Cemetery On This Site Stood the Only Home Owned in Texas by Stephen F. Austin Original Site of St. Mary's Episcopal Church Paul and Mahala Hackbarth House Pilgrims Rest Cemetery Pitts Place Preibisch Building Saint John's Episcopal Church Saint Paul Lutheran Church Sam Houston's Camp West of the Brazos Samuel Chapel Cemetery Samuel Shelburne Cemetery San Felipe de Austin San Felipe de Austin Cemetery San Felipe Town Hall San Felipe United Methodist Church Sealy Sealy Cemetery Shelburne-Reinecker House Sherwood Y. Reamos Site of Town of New Ulm St. John Lutheran Church St. Paul Lutheran Church St. Paul Lutheran Church St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery-Phillipsburg Star Hill Cemetery Stephen F. Austin The Wesley Brethren Church Town of Cat Spring Town of Shelby Travis-Pier Cemetery Trinity Lutheran Church Vanderwerth Family Cemetery Waddell-Dudensing-Bering Home Wallis Cemetery Wallis Methodist Church Wallis State Bank Welcome Lutheran Church William Henry and Lydia Ann English Guyler William Shelburne Cemetery Witte-Schmid Cemetery Witte-Schmid House
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
Austin County, located in the southeastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and the Akokisa. In the early 1820s, the Mexican government granted land to Stephen F. Austin, also known as the "Father of Texas," who established the first Anglo-American settlements in the region.

In 1824, Austin County was officially created as one of the original 23 counties of Texas. The county was named in honor of Stephen F. Austin and served as a major center for the colonization of Texas. During this time, settlers began to arrive and establish farms, bringing with them their unique cultures and traditions.

Austin County also played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. In 1832, local colonists held the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, which voiced their support for Antonio López de Santa Anna, who was then the leader of Mexico. However, as tensions escalated, the colonists became part of the rebellion against Mexican rule, leading to the famous Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. This battle marked a major turning point in Texas history, resulting in the defeat of Santa Anna's forces and the eventual independence of Texas.

Throughout the years, Austin County continued to develop and thrive. The county seat, Bellville, was established in 1848 and has remained an important cultural and economic center. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth of the county, connecting it with other regions. Today, Austin County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant community, making it a unique and significant part of Texas history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Austin County, Texas.

  • 1821 - Austin County is established as one of the original 23 counties in Texas.
  • 1831 - Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas", passes away and is buried in Austin County.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, leading to an influx of settlers in Austin County.
  • 1856 - The town of Bellville is established as the county seat of Austin County.
  • 1861-1865 - Austin County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1878 - The Texas state legislature formally recognizes Austin County as the "Cradle of the Republic".
  • 1887 - The San Felipe and Southwestern Railroad connects Austin County to the rest of Texas.
  • 1907 - The Brazos River floods Austin County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1965 - The Stephen F. Austin State Park is established in Austin County.
  • 1992 - The Austin County Historical Commission is formed to preserve the county's history and heritage.
  • Present - Austin County continues to thrive as an agricultural and historic region in Texas.