Historical Markers in
Lee County, Texas

Adina Cemetery Bethel Union Baptist Church City of Giddings Dime Box Dime Box, Old Early Chapel Cemetery Edward R. Sinks House First Baptist Church of Giddings First National Bank First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church of Giddings Fletcher Home Globe Hill Baptist Church Gloyna School Good Hope Cemetery Helen Knox Henry Prentice Redfield, Texas Soldier Holy Cross Cemetery Indian Camp Branch J. D. Giddings Lodge No. 280, A. F. & A. M. James Goucher James Shaw King's Highway King's Highway - Camino Real - Old San Antonio Road King's Highway - Camino Real - Old San Antonio Road King's Highway - Camino Real - Old San Antonio Road King's Highway - Camino Real - Old San Antonio Road King's Highway - Camino Real - Old San Antonio Road Knobbs Springs Baptist Church Lawhon Springs Cemetery Lee County Lee County Lee County Courthouse Lee, General Robert E. Lexington Masonic Lodge No. 138 Lexington Memorial Cemetery Lexington Schools Milton Garrett York, Sr. Moab Community Old Dime Box Old Evergreen Tree Pioneer Publisher and Printer David Ervin Lawhon Robert Devlin McClellan and Sarah Lewis Rainey McClellan Saint John Lutheran Church Serbin Serbin Shorter Chapel, A. M. E. Church Site of Bethany Lutheran Church and School St. John Lutheran Church St. Paul Baptist Church St. Paul's Lutheran Church The First Baptist Church of Lexington Town of Lexington Trinity Lutheran Church United Methodist Church of Lexington Vick Cemetery Washington Cemetery William Preston (Bill) Longley William W. Hawkins
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Lee County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to its establishment in 1874. Originally part of Bastrop County, it was named after Robert E. Lee, the controversial Confederate general. The area was primarily settled by German immigrants, who brought with them a strong agricultural tradition that shaped the county's economy.

During its early years, Lee County experienced significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for trade and transportation. The county became known for its cotton production, and many rural communities emerged to support the farming industry. The county seat, Giddings, became a thriving commercial center, with businesses and institutions establishing themselves to meet the needs of the growing population.

The 20th century brought both challenges and progress to Lee County. The devastating effects of the Great Depression hit the agricultural sector hard, leading to a decline in cotton farming. However, the county adapted and diversified its economy, venturing into cattle ranching and the production of other crops. In the mid-20th century, the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought a new wave of economic growth.

Lee County has also played a significant role in Texas history. It is home to the Monument Hill and Kreische Brewery State Historic Sites, which commemorate the fallen soldiers of the Dawson Massacre and the Texas Revolution. Today, Lee County continues to be a rural and historically significant part of Texas, with a strong sense of community and a blend of diverse cultural influences.

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

  • 1874: Lee County is established on February 11, named after Robert E. Lee.
  • 1878: The town of Giddings is established as the county seat.
  • 1881: The Texas and New Orleans Railroad is completed, leading to increased economic growth in the county.
  • 1907: Lee County Courthouse is built, replacing the original courthouse constructed in 1878.
  • 1920s: Cotton becomes a major crop for the county, leading to prosperous years for local farmers.
  • 1960s: The decline of cotton production begins, and farmers shift to other crops and livestock.
  • 1996: The Lee County Youth Center is opened to provide juvenile offenders with rehabilitative services.
  • 2011: The county is severely affected by drought and wildfires, causing significant damage to agricultural lands.
  • Present: Lee County continues to be primarily an agricultural area, with a growing emphasis on diversifying the local economy.