Historical Marker

First Baptist Church of Colorado City

Historical marker location:
Third and Chestnut St., Colorado City, Texas
( Third and Chesnut, Colorado City.)
Marker installed: 1973
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Founded as a mission station in 1881 by The Rev. George W. Baines (1809-1882), a former President of Baylor University and in 1880s a Baptist State Convention agent. The Rev. Peter Turner, an Englishmen, organized the church in 1882. Building site was donated by U.S. Senator and ex-Governor of Georgia Joseph E. Brown, a Texas & Pacific Railroad investor, developer of Colorado townsite. A.W. Dunn, J.T. Hutchins, J.B. Putnam, Alf H.H. Tolar, and G.W. Waddell were church trustees. The original small box structure was meeting place of all denominations until destroyed by tornado in May 1884. It was replaced by a similar frame building. In 1890, Pastor J.C. Burkett reported 140 on roll. This church joined that year with other members of Sweetwater Baptist Association to implement charter for Simmons College (now Hardin-Simmons University). In pastorate (1895) of The Rev. B.H. Carroll, Jr., a 4-room structure was erected. Classrooms and basement, added later, became emergency hospital for tornado victims on May 14, 1923. In 1924, this and neighboring county formed Mitchell-Scurry Baptist Association. Present church was built in 1928; annex in 1961. Congregation has included many community leaders; it has been active in home and foreign mission fields.

(1973)

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.

Baptist denomination churches religion
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Mitchell County is located in the western part of Texas and has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lipan Apache and the Comanche, who roamed the region for centuries.

In the mid-1800s, settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the land's fertile soil and the promise of a new frontier. One of the earliest settlements was the town of Colorado City, which was founded in 1881. Originally established as a rail station, the town quickly grew and became the county seat of Mitchell County.

A significant event in the county's history occurred in 1928, when the discovery of oil in the region brought a wave of prosperity and economic growth. Oil companies flocked to the area, and Mitchell County experienced a boom as oil fields were developed and wells were drilled. The industry continued to play a significant role in the county's economy, attracting workers and spurring the growth of towns such as Loraine and Westbrook.

Over the years, Mitchell County has witnessed both progress and challenges. The construction of Lake Colorado City in the 1930s provided a recreational outlet for residents and helped with water conservation efforts. However, the county, like many in Texas, faced hardships during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, which had a profound impact on the agricultural sector.

Today, Mitchell County is known for its friendly communities, natural beauty, and rich heritage. It remains an important area for agriculture, with cotton, wheat, and cattle being the main industries. The county also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking, allowing residents and visitors to connect with the region's history and natural resources.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Mitchell County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Mitchell County is established
  • 1880s - Ranching becomes the main industry in the county
  • 1882 - Colorado City is founded as the county seat
  • 1907 - Oil is discovered in Mitchell County, leading to an economic boom
  • 1925 - Colorado City experiences a major oil boom
  • 1942-1946 - During World War II, an internment camp for German prisoners of war is established in Mitchell County
  • 1962 - Lake Colorado City State Park is established
  • 1976 - The historic Llano Estacado Wind Ranch is built in Mitchell County
  • 1994 - Mitchell County Historical Commission is formed
  • 2004 - The Windy Point Park and Campground is opened
  • 2011 - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department opens the newly renovated Mitchell County Courthouse Museum