C. T. Beck Ranch
Born in 1846, Charles Theodore (C. T.) Beck migrated with his parents from their native Germany to the United States in 1851. The family landed at Indianola and made their way to Victoria. Though he was too young to serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, C. T. Beck worked for the cause. After the war he became a cattle driver. His father, Charles (Carl) August Beck (1810-1885) purchased 40 acres near this site for a family homestead in 1862. C. T. Beck married Johanna Lentz in 1872, and in 1893 the Becks purchased this additional acreage from George W. Norton. The main barn was erected between 1905 and 1906; the ranch house was crafted by Johanna Lentz Beck's brothers in 1907.
A fever tick outbreak in the early 1920s prompted C. T. Beck to build a cattle dipping vat. Neighbors from miles away brought their cattle to the ranch's vats to fight the epidemic. C. T. Beck died in 1923 and ownership of the ranch passed to Willie T. Beck, the oldest of his and Johanna's seven children.
Modernization came with the second half of the 20th century. After World War II, a small tractor and truck replaced the work animals. Electricity was furnished by the National Rural Electrification Administration in 1946. The first telephone was installed in the ranch house in 1952 and surrounding roads were paved in 1962. Though a significant portion of the original 20,000 acres was developed with the growth of the greater Victoria area, much of the ranch property continued to be held by the family at the end of the 20th century. (1999)
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.
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.
In the early 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to move into the area, attracted by the fertile land for agriculture and the potential for ample grazing. The Mexican government encouraged colonization, and by 1834, there were around 100 families living in the region. However, tensions between the settlers and the Mexican government eventually led to the Texas Revolution in 1835.
During the Texas Revolution, Victoria became a strategic point for both the Texian and Mexican armies. The Battle of Guadalupe River occurred here in 1835, where the Texian rebels under the command of George Collingsworth captured the Mexican garrison without bloodshed. The town of Victoria formally became the capital of the Republic of Texas in 1839 before it was moved to Houston and later Austin.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Victoria County experienced significant growth and development. The railroad arrived in the late 1800s, leading to increased trade and the expansion of the local economy. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further contributed to the county's prosperity. Today, Victoria County is a thriving hub for agriculture, oil and gas production, and serves as a regional center for healthcare, education, and businesses.
Victoria County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Victoria County, Texas.
- 1824 - Victoria County is established as a Municipality of Mexico
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
- 1837 - Victoria County is created as an original county of the Republic of Texas
- 1852 - The town of Victoria becomes the county seat
- 1860 - Population of Victoria County reaches 2,305
- 1874 - The Texas Mexican Railway expands into Victoria County, stimulating economic growth
- 1899 - Oil is discovered in the county, leading to a boom in the petroleum industry
- 1924 - The DuPont Company establishes a plant in Victoria County, contributing to industrial development
- 1930 - Population of Victoria County exceeds 30,000
- 1952 - The O'Connor-Proctor Building, the first air-conditioned building in town, is constructed
- 1960 - Victoria County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places
- 2008 - Hurricane Ike causes extensive damage to Victoria County
- 2019 - Victoria County celebrates its 182nd anniversary