Historical Markers in
Caldwell County, Texas

Andrew Lee Brock Battle of Plum Creek Bethel Primitive Baptist Church Burial site of Rev. John McCullough Caldwell County Caldwell County Courthouse Caldwell County Jail Cardwell Home Cementerio Navarro Historico Cementerio Navarro Historico City of Luling Clark Cemetery Clark's Chapel Cemetery Clear Fork Cemetery Clear Fork Cemetery Clearfork Baptist Church Delhi Dr. D. Port Smythe Dr. Eugene Clark Library Ebenezer Lutheran Church Edgar B. Davis, Oil Pioneer-Philanthropist Emmanuel Episcopal Church Episcopal Church of the Annunciation Fentress Community Cemetery Fentress United Methodist Church Fentress, Dr. James First Baptist Church of Luling First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Lockhart First Christian Church of Luling First Presbyterian Church of Lockhart First Presbyterian Church of Luling Fleming Memorial Cemetery Francis-Ainsworth House Gunkel Family Cemetery Gunkel Family Cemetery Hall Cemetery Harris Cemetery Humphreys Cemetery Isham Jones Good Jeffrey Cemetery Johnson Perry Cemetery Karbach-Flowers Home Lane Cemetery (HTC) Lincecum Cemetery Lockhart Vocational High School (Carver HS) Lytton Springs Cemetery McNeil Baptist Church McNeil Cemetery Mebane House Polonia Cemetery Prairie Lea United Methodist Church Rafael Rios No. 1 Rosenwald School Saint John Colony Susanna Dickinson Hannig - Messenger of the Alamo The Coopwood House The Fritz Zedler Home Wattsville Gin Wells Cemetery William Johnson Cabin Zedler's Mills
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Texas random facts
Caldwell County, located in central Texas, has a rich and storied history dating back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Lipan Apache. In the 18th century, Spanish settlers began exploring and settling the region, establishing missions and ranches.

In 1834, Mexican impresario, Green DeWitt, received a land grant from the Mexican government and began attracting American settlers to the area. The town of Lockhart, named after James W. Lockhart, one of DeWitt's surveyors, was established in 1838 and became the county seat in 1848. The county was officially organized the following year.

During the Civil War, Caldwell County, like much of Texas, was divided in its loyalties. Many residents sided with the Confederacy and fought in the war, while others were Union sympathizers. The conflict left deep scars on the county, but it managed to recover and thrive in the post-war years.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Caldwell County's economy was primarily agricultural, with cotton being a major crop. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s boosted economic growth and allowed for easier transportation of goods. Over time, the county diversified its economy, with industries such as oil and gas, cattle ranching, and manufacturing becoming prominent.

Today, Caldwell County is known for its historic charm, scenic beauty, and a strong sense of community. It is home to several notable landmarks, including the Caldwell County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county continues to evolve and adapt, while also preserving its rich history and heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Caldwell County, Texas.

  • 1848 - The Republic of Texas holds a land lottery and grants land in the area to settlers.
  • 1849 - Caldwell County is officially established.
  • 1852 - The county seat is named Lockhart.
  • 1876 - The first courthouse in Lockhart is built.
  • 1887 - The discovery of oil in the county brings prosperity.
  • 1922 - The current Caldwell County Courthouse is constructed.
  • 1948 - The Chisholm Trail Museum is established in Lockhart.
  • 1984 - The Circuit of the Americas racetrack is built in the county.