St. Matthew Catholic Parish
Following the establishment ofJourdanton in 1909, many catholic families of Hispanic, Irish, Polish, and German descent expressed interest in building a church. Bishop J.W. Shaw traveled from San Antonio to assist in preparing a new church building. In 1912, the church held dedication ceremonies for the mission-style brick building on land donated by the Central Townsite Company. For the next decade, the parish grew rapidly and received guidance from Rev. Manuel Moreno and other priests in the area. One leader, Father Kasper, assisted the Czech parishioners by helping to establish K.J.T and K.J.Z.T. Organizations for Czech men and women.
In 1925, Rev. Smith became the first resident pastor and the first church rectory and Parish Hall was built in 1926. Father Smith contributed much to the parish, including organizing the first 4th of July picnic and founding the group, Children of Mary. Under Father Benz’s leadership, a second parish hall was built in 1934, and a catholic school opened in September 1937, but was forced to close in 1940. In May 1961, under Father Lieb’s direction, a new church was built utilizing the original cast iron bell. A new parish hall was built in 1979. The St. Matthew Catholic Parish contributed to many aspects of the community, including participating in fraternal, cultural, and religious groups such as a Czech Sokol gymnastics group in the early 1940s, the Sociedades Guadalupanas for Catholic Women, Knights of Columbus, Ladies’ Altar Society, Catholic Daughters of Americans, and youth organizations. The church continues to serve their neighbors with a soup kitchen and thrift store, and remains a beacon of light in the community
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 cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
In the early 19th century, the region experienced a migration of American settlers. Atascosa County, named after the Atascosa River that flows through it, was officially established in 1856. The county played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with several battles fought in the area. The region's fertile land attracted farmers and ranchers, leading to the growth of the agricultural industry. Cattle ranching soon became a dominant economic activity, and the county became known for its large cattle drives and sprawling ranches.
During the Civil War, Atascosa County sided with the Confederacy, and the conflict brought some challenges to the area. However, after the war, the county experienced a period of growth and development. Railroads were constructed, connecting the county to larger markets, and the establishment of towns and communities brought further prosperity.
In the 20th century, Atascosa County continued to thrive economically, primarily due to agriculture, particularly cotton and corn farming. Oil and gas exploration also became significant industries in the region. The growth of cities such as Pleasanton and Jourdanton brought increased infrastructure and amenities to the area. Today, Atascosa County is an important part of the South Texas economy, contributing to agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism. Its history and heritage are celebrated through various cultural events and historical landmarks.
Atascosa County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Atascosa County, Texas.
- 1856 - Atascosa County is officially established by the Texas state legislature.
- 1872 - The county's first courthouse is built in Pleasanton.
- 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway is completed, bringing a significant boost to the county's economy.
- 1890 - Tornadoes cause extensive damage in the county, leading to rebuilding efforts.
- 1898 - The county's second courthouse is constructed, replacing the original one.
- 1908 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to an oil boom, bringing economic prosperity.
- 1920s - Atascosa County experiences a decline in agriculture due to the boll weevil infestation.
- 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county.
- 1940s - World War II brings changes to the county, including the establishment of a military training base.
- 1960s - Construction of Interstate 37 brings improved transportation infrastructure to the county.
- 1970s - Atascosa County's population starts to grow significantly, leading to increased development.
- 1990s - The county experiences further population growth and urbanization.
- 2005 - Hurricane Emily causes widespread damage in the county.
- Present - Atascosa County continues to be a mix of rural and urban communities, with a diverse economy.