Historical Marker

Cottonwood Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
273 CR 527, Dublin, Texas
( 2.3 miles east of Dublin, TX, north of SH 6 on CR 527)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Just outside of Dublin, the small farming community of Cottonwood was established on the banks of Cottonwood Creek. The church that first met in the school is now a blooming church serving the community. As the years passed, the community began to grow and, in 1908, they organized the Cottonwood Missionary Baptist Church. Forty-six people joined the church at the time of the organization including T.H.P. and Mary Ann Thackerson’s family. Reverend Lee Gilbreath became the first pastor and served until 1910. Throughout the early years of the church, the entire community of Cottonwood met together with each denomination preaching once a month. The Baptist, Methodist, Church of Christ and Presbyterian ministers each had a Sunday once a month to give their sermons.

By 1928, the school consolidated with the Dublin public schools, and many families moved away. The church, now named Cottonwood Baptist Church, grew small and most became too discouraged to continue. Six teenaged girls: Fannie Stroud, Johnnie Bea Stroud, Merle Stroud, Bonnie Culver, all descendants of T.H.P. and Mary Ann Thackerson, and their two friends Mary Queen and dot smith continued to meet faithfully each Sunday. Eventually, people began to return and the church began to grow again. On February 23, 1959, Mrs. P.E.T. Culver, daughter of the Thackersons and the last surviving charter member, performed the ground breaking ceremony for the new church building. Throughout the next half century, the church ministered to those in their community and continues to serve worldwide

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.

churches Baptist denomination
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
Texas random facts
Erath County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Tonkawas, who roamed the region for centuries. However, the Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in the area, with the famed Pedro Vial passing through in 1785.

In the 1850s, settlers began to establish permanent communities in Erath County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. One of the earliest settlements was Stephenville, which was founded in 1856. The town grew steadily and became a significant hub for trade and commerce in the region. During this time, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became the backbone of the economy.

Erath County played a notable role during the Civil War, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and raids, as it was located on the Western Frontier, making it an important strategic point. The war had a lasting impact on the area, with the local economy suffering due to the loss of men and resources.

Following the war, Erath County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1889 further boosted the economy and facilitated transportation. The county continued to thrive on agriculture and ranching, while also diversifying into industries such as oil and gas production. Today, Erath County remains a vibrant community, known for its ranching heritage, educational institutions like Tarleton State University, and a strong sense of community spirit.

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

  • 1854: Erath County is officially organized and named after George Bernard Erath, a Texas Ranger and surveyor.
  • 1855: The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily from Tennessee and Missouri.
  • 1860: The first post office is established in Stephenville, the county seat.
  • 1865: The Civil War ends, and Erath County begins to recover from the conflict.
  • 1870: The Texas Central Railroad is completed, bringing increased trade and development to the county.
  • 1893: Tarleton State University is founded in Stephenville.
  • 1926: Construction of US Highway 67 begins, providing improved transportation access for Erath County.
  • 1940s: The discovery of oil in the county leads to an economic boom.
  • 1990s: Erath County becomes a popular filming location for movies and television shows, including "Walker, Texas Ranger."