Lowell Smith Home

Historical marker location:

FM 916, Rio Vista, Texas

( from Rio Vista, take FM 916 west 1 mile; private property)

Marker installed: 1965

Of pine and poplar lumber and other materials from an 1850 house acquired by John Wesley Smith, Civil War veteran and banker who came to Johnson County in 1868. Built this home 1887. Used square iron nails.

houses residential buildings

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.