George's Creek Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
CR 308, Glen Rose, Texas
( E of Glen Rose on US 67, then N on CR 308 to George's Creek, almost to the intersection with CR 2174)
Marker installed: 2004
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The history of the George's Creek community can be traced to two men who passed through the area on an 1841 expedition from the Republic of Texas to Santa Fe, New Mexico. The men, George Barnard and Thomas Torrey, later acquired land in the vicinity. Barnard and his brother established a trading post called Barnardville, which was later renamed Fort Spunky.

By 1885, many additional families had arrived in the area, establishing farms, businesses and churches, including Cumberland Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist congregations. Records indicate two active Baptist churches in George's Creek community in the 1880s: Good Hope and George's Creek. A third Baptist church, Buck Creek, formed near the Nemo community in the early 1890s.

In its early years, George's Creek Baptist Church, established in 1885, shared a pastor with the Good Hope congregation. They also shared space with other churches, meeting in the Methodist church building, in schoolhouses, and under brush arbors and tents. In 1905, the church reorganized, and members constructed a tabernacle at the cemetery in 1908. There, they held services and revivals, as well as meetings. They later moved into a sanctuary, which they continue to use today, built by the Holiness Church in 1915.

Although records for certain time periods are scarce, the known history of George's Creek Baptist Church indicates more than a century of dedicated worship. Even in times without regular pastors, the congregation maintained a strong Sunday School program. The membership has changed along with the area population, but the church continues to be a spiritual and social center for the community it serves. (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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Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
Somervell County, located in north-central Texas, has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The area was originally occupied by Native American tribes, primarily the Tonkawa, before European settlers arrived in the 1850s. The county was officially established in 1875 and was named after Alexander Somervell, a Texas general who fought during the Texas Revolution.

In the late 19th century, Somervell County became a prominent center for agriculture and ranching. Cotton was the main crop grown in the county, and many farms and plantations flourished during this time. Additionally, the discovery of large limestone deposits in the county led to the establishment of several quarries, which became an important industry for the area.

One of the most significant events in Somervell County's history occurred in the early 20th century. In 1929, construction began on the Glen Rose Dam, which created the picturesque Lake Granbury. This provided water for irrigation and recreational opportunities, leading to the growth of tourism in the area.

Today, Somervell County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes tourism, agriculture, and small businesses. The county is known for its natural beauty, with attractions such as the Dinosaur Valley State Park, which features fossilized dinosaur footprints, and the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, a popular safari park. The historic downtown area of Glen Rose remains a charming destination for visitors, showcasing its rich history through numerous preserved buildings and museums.

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

  • 1849 - Somervell County is established as a county by the Texas state legislature.
  • 1850 - The first settlers begin arriving in Somervell County.
  • 1852 - The county's first post office is established at Glen Rose.
  • 1860 - The population of Somervell County reaches 604 residents.
  • 1861 - The Civil War begins, and many men from Somervell County join the Confederate Army.
  • 1875 - The Texas Central Railroad is completed, passing through Glen Rose and boosting the local economy.
  • 1881 - Dinosaur tracks are discovered along the Paluxy River, leading to increased tourism and scientific interest in the area.
  • 1906 - The creation of the Brazos River Authority brings hydroelectric power to Somervell County.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression heavily impacts the county's agricultural and oil industries.
  • 1969 - The Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant is completed, providing a major source of employment and revenue for Somervell County.
  • 1990 - The population of Somervell County reaches 6,333 residents.
  • 2013 - The creation of the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center attracts tourists from around the world.
  • 2019 - Somervell County celebrates its 170th anniversary since its establishment.