Harrison and McCulloch Stage Stop
Historical marker location:HARRISON AND McCULLOCH STAGE STOP
THE HARRISON AND McCULLOCH STAGE LINE BEGAN RUNNING STAGECOACHES FROM THE TEXAS COAST TO CENTRAL TEXAS AS EARLY AS 1848. THE LINE WAS A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BROTHERS-IN-LAW, JOHN S. HARRISON (1818-1864) AND WILLIAM McCULLOCH (1819-c.1854), AFTER DISSOLVING THEIR PARTNERSHIP WITH DR. CALEB S. BROWN OF GONZALES (HARRISON & BROWN STAGE LINE) IN 1850. THEIR STAGE LINE WAS PART OF A NETWORK OF COMPETING STAGE LINES AND “STAR ROUTES” THAT CONTRACTED WITH THE UNITED STATES POST OFFICE DELIVERING TRAVELERS AND MAIL THROUGHOUT CENTRAL TEXAS. STAR ROUTES 6285, 6154 AND 6155 RAN FROM INDIANOLA, PORT LAVACA AND GALVESTON TO NEW BRAUNFELS AND AUSTIN AND BACK. JOHN S. HARRISON ALSO OWNED THE VICTORIA HOTEL IN VICTORIA WHERE HE HOUSED HIS STAGE PASSENGERS OVERNIGHT ON THEIR WAY INLAND. IN 1852, HARRISON MOVED TO SELMA, MAKING IT HIS HOME. HIS HOUSE WAS LISTED ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES IN 2006 AND DECLARED A STATE ARCHEOLOGICAL LANDMARK IN 2009. HARRISON WAS THE FIRST POSTMASTER OF SELMA AND HELD THAT POSITION FOR TWO YEARS.
THE SELMA STAGE STOP, AS IT IS KNOWN TODAY, WAS ONE OF THE STOPS ON HARRISON & McCULLOCH’S STAR ROUTE 6285 THAT RAN FROM AUSTIN TO SAN ANTONIO. IN 1852, THE ROUTE TOOK 18 HOURS TO COMPLETE, LEAVING AUSTIN AT 3 AM AND TRAVELING THE OLD POST ROAD AND SECTIONS OF EL CAMINO REAL DE LOS TEJAS THROUGH OPEN PRAIRIE TO MANCHAC SPRING, SAN MARCOS, BONITO, NEW BRAUNFELS AND SELMA, ARRIVING IN SAN ANTONIO AT 9 PM THAT NIGHT. THE SELMA STAGE STOP IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF “LIMECRETE CONSTRUCTION,” A PROCESS USING WOODEN FORMS AND “SLIP,” A MIXTURE MADE FROM SAND AND PEBBLES FOUND IN THE NEARBY RÍO CIBOLO. SHARDS OF WOOD AND CORNCOBS WERE FORCED INTO THE DRYING SLIP FOR ADDED STRENGTH
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.
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.
Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.
Bexar County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bexar County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.
1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.
1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.
1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.
1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.
1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.
1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.
Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.
1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.