Historical Marker

Site of Saint Dominic Catholic Church and Cemetery

Historical marker location:
CR 5226, D'Hanis, Texas
( southeast corner of CR 5226 (Old Church Road) and CR 5221 (Old Cemetery Road))
Marker installed: 1972

Congregation formed in 1847 with founding of D'Hanis Colony by settlers from Alsace, France. In 1853, when town became a mission parish, limestone church was built, using timber hauled by ox-wagon from Medina River. Sandstone extension was built in 1868 upon arrival of first resident pastor but abandoned after 1914 when new church was built in "New" D'Hanis (1 1/2 miles west). Cemetery, dating from burial of child of colonists in 1847, was used until 1893, when new cemetery was started following diptheria epidemic. (1972).