Belton Academy
a.k.a. #2;Wedemeyer,Charles,House
404 E. Ninth St., Belton, TXThe Belton Academy/Wedemeyer House, built in 1891, is a good example of a vernacular Victorian-era house with simple Queen Anne detailing. Structures such as this were once very common in Belton but most have been demolished or considerably altered over the years. Contextually, the house relates to Community and Regional Development in Belton, particularly to the development of education in the city because of its early function as a private school. The house meets National Register Criterion A in the area of Education for its association with one of the early schools in Belton, and it meets Criterion C in the area of architecture as a fine example of a vernacular Victorian house with Queen Anne details.
The Belton Academy/Wedemeyer House was built for Charles Wedemeyer by well-known local builder T. Hamp Birdwell in 1891. The building originally served as both Wedemeyer's residences and housed the private school that he operated. Wedemeyer was a graduate of Baylor University in Independence, Texas, and apparently came to Belton sometime in the late 1880s. Known as Belton Academy, the preparatory school operated from about 1891 until 1911. During the first years of the school's existence, the building housed the entire school; sometime later Wedemeyer relocated the school to a building (now demolished) across the street. Private preparatory schools were common in Texas during the second half of the 19th century, but few remain in recognizable condition. The Belton Academy/Wedemeyer House represents a good example of a simple vernacular late 19th-century domestic building that served an additional educational function.
Local significance of the building:
The Belton Academy/Wedemeyer House was built for Charles Wedemeyer by well-known local builder T. Hamp Birdwell in 1891. The building originally served as both Wedemeyer's residences and housed the private school that he operated. Wedemeyer was a graduate of Baylor University in Independence, Texas, and apparently came to Belton sometime in the late 1880s. Known as Belton Academy, the preparatory school operated from about 1891 until 1911. During the first years of the school's existence, the building housed the entire school; sometime later Wedemeyer relocated the school to a building (now demolished) across the street. Private preparatory schools were common in Texas during the second half of the 19th century, but few remain in recognizable condition. The Belton Academy/Wedemeyer House represents a good example of a simple vernacular late 19th-century domestic building that served an additional educational function.
Education; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
About Bell County
Bell County Timeline
Bell County, located in central Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1850 by Thomas M. Bigham, who built a log cabin near the Lampasas River.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
Bell County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bell County, Texas.
- 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
- 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
- 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
- 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
- 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
- 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
- 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
- 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
- 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
- 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
- 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
- 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen