Proctor-Green House
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 place in the booming cattle town of Cuero, he bought this lot in 1880 from L.C. Fudge, who had purchased the land from the Cuero Land and Immigration Company. In 1892, proctor hired Victoria architect James Hull to design a two-story house here. D.C. Proctor died in 1908, and in 1911 his wife sold the house to judge John M. Green and his family. Green once served as a state legislator, and also opened a law firm with his son, Howard, who would continue to live here after his father’s death for many years. It remained vacant for a considerable time, but in recent years it has seen recognition and commendation as a historic landmark.
The house can be described as late Victorian, with a Queen Anne floor plan and Colonial Revival details. It includes two interior brick chimneys with corbelled caps at gable ends serving six fireplaces. The windows are stained glass, while the front entrance is composed of double doors with a transom. The south elevation contains a projecting bay with a pedimented gable. The gable has palladian windows with art glass. The stairway is reversed to begin at the far side of the hall. The house has been altered very little. The house is one of Cuero’s last remaining 19th century houses, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Terrell-Reuss Streets Historic District
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
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.
In 1827, the area that is now DeWitt County was incorporated into the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Shortly after, American settlement began in the region, with empresarios such as Green DeWitt and Martín de León playing significant roles. DeWitt, for whom the county is named, received a land grant in 1825 and played a vital part in bringing Anglo-American colonizers to the area.
DeWitt County saw significant growth during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s. The Battle of Gonzales, the first engagement of the revolution, occurred just outside the county's boundaries. The county itself became a site of conflict during the revolution, with the Battle of Ethel's Woods and the Battle of Gonzales River Bridge taking place within its borders.
After Texas gained independence from Mexico, DeWitt County was officially established in 1846. The county seat was initially Gonzales, but it was moved to Cuero in 1876. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, DeWitt County experienced economic growth due to industries such as ranching, oil, and agriculture.
Present-day DeWitt County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The county is known for its rich historical sites, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts from the Texas Revolution, and numerous ranches that showcase the area's strong cattle industry. DeWitt County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and remains an essential part of Texas's broader historical narrative.
DeWitt County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of DeWitt County, Texas.
- 1827: DeWitt County is established as a part of DeWitt's Colony in Mexican Texas.
- 1840: The Battle of Plum Creek takes place in DeWitt County during the Texan Revolution.
- 1846: DeWitt County becomes a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.
- 1848: Texas becomes a state of the United States, and DeWitt County remains a part of it.
- 1850: Population growth leads to the establishment of the county seat, Cuero.
- 1870: The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Cuero, increasing trade and transportation opportunities.
- 1874: Cuero is officially incorporated as a city.
- 1893: Oil is discovered in DeWitt County, leading to economic growth and development.
- 1923: A disastrous fire destroys much of downtown Cuero.
- 1941-1945: DeWitt County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
- 1960s-1970s: DeWitt County experiences a decline in population and economic activity.
- 1990s-present: DeWitt County experiences a resurgence in oil and gas production, leading to economic growth.