Historical Marker

Texas Lions Camp

Historical marker location:
SH 27, Happiness Rd, Kerrville, Texas
( SH 27 just past Veterans Pkwy, on Lions Camp property)
Marker installed: 2004
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Located on land once owned by Kerrville founder Joshua Brown, this has been the site of rehabilitative facilities since the 1920s, when the American Legion established a sanitorium here, followed by a United States Veterans Administration hospital in 1925. In 1948, as a nationwide polio epidemic raged, local Lion Jack Roe, working with the Kerrville Lions Club, promoted the concept of a special camp for children afflicted with the disease. A social worker with the Texas Department of Public Welfare, Roe had seen handicapped children turned away from other summer camps, and in response he made it his mission to create a place where they could experience the joys of nature at a camp designed for their unique needs.

Roe and the local Lions Club members worked with other clubs around Texas to promote establishment of the camp, and in 1949 they received endorsement from the Lions International Convention. A statewide fundraising effort and the assistance of then-U.S. Sen. Lyndon B. Johnson led to the purchase of 504 acres of land at this site from the federal government in 1950. The camp officially opened on June 8, 1953, with 40 campers who participated in the formal dedication celebration on July 3, 1953. The camp also provided training facilities for clients of the Texas Commission for the Blind from 1958 to 1984, and since 1971 has included special programs for children with diabetes. It celebrated a milestone in 2003, marking service to a total of 50,000 children since its opening.

The Texas Lions Camp has served as a place of education and respite for children with special needs for more than half a century. Its programs, still supported by Lions clubs throughout the state, reflect the Lions motto "We Serve" by providing campers with education, entertainment and memories to last their lifetimes. (2005)

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.

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The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Texas random facts
Kerr County, located in the hill country of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lipan Apache and Comanche, who utilized the region's abundant resources for hunting and gathering. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, primarily from Germany, and established the first permanent settlements.

In 1845, Texas became the 28th state of the United States, and Kerr County was officially formed in 1856. It was named after James Kerr, a major in the Texas Revolution and a member of the Republic of Texas Congress. The county's early economy was centered around agriculture, with ranching, farming, and timber production being the main industries.

During the Civil War, Kerr County, like many other parts of Texas, was divided in allegiance between the Union and the Confederacy. The area experienced occasional raids and skirmishes, but overall remained relatively peaceful during the conflict. After the war, the county began to recover and flourish economically, with the arrival of the railroad in 1887, which improved transportation and access to markets.

The 20th century brought further growth and development to Kerr County. The discovery of oil in the nearby counties stimulated the economy, and Kerrville, the county seat, became a regional hub for commerce and services. The establishment of Schreiner Institute, now Schreiner University, in 1923, brought higher education opportunities to the area. Today, Kerr County continues to attract residents and visitors with its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and vibrant community life.

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

  • 1856 - Kerr County is officially established on January 26.
  • 1857 - The first county government is organized in October.
  • 1870 - The city of Kerrville is founded as a trade center for the surrounding area.
  • 1876 - Kerrville becomes the county seat of Kerr County.
  • 1888 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway reaches Kerrville, stimulating growth in the area.
  • 1890 - Kerrville is incorporated as a city.
  • 1930 - The Camp Meeting Association of the Methodist Episcopal Church South establishes a permanent site for summer encampments in Kerrville, which later becomes the Mo-Ranch conference center.
  • 1962 - The Kerrville Folk Festival is first held, becoming one of the longest continuously running music festivals in the United States.
  • 1998 - The Kerrville-Schreiner State Park is opened to the public.