Historical Marker
Cahill Methodist Church
Historical marker location:
Alvarado, Texas
( from Alvarado, take I-35W north 6 miles, then take FM 917 east 2 miles to intersection with CR 604)
Marker installed: 1989
Nancy and Aquilla Cahill came to Texas in 1859 and settled in this area. The community which grew up around their farm was known as Cahill. In 1893 land for a Methodist church and cemetery was deeded by Sarah E. Snodgrass in memory of her father, Aquilla Cahill. A sanctuary and tabernacle were built by church members and the congregation was served by circuit riding ministers. Cahill Methodist Church has been a focal point of the community throughout its existence, serving people from a large rural area.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.