Historical Marker
Pilarczyk Store
Historical marker location:
13780 N. FM 81, Panna Maria, Texas
( Panna Maria Visitor Center)
Marker installed: 1968
Built 1875; second oldest store in Panna Maria; still has original rafters and floors. Lime for mortaring stones (visible on back and sides) was fired in home kilns. Store was bought by Victor Pilarczyk, 1913. First gas pump was installed 1919. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1968.
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.