First Presbyterian Church of Cuero

Historical marker location:
302 North McLeod Street, Cuero, Texas
( 302 North McLeod Street, Cuero)
Marker installed: 1991
Marker size: 27" x 42"

On July 8, 1849, a group of settlers gathered together under a live oak tree at the home of Dr. Robert and Mary C. Trigg Peebles to form the Live Oak Presbyterian Church, the first Presbyterian congregation in De Witt County. Led by the Rev. William Cochran Blair, the church's charter members included Elizabeth Smith Barnhill, Miles Squier Bennet, Mary C. Trigg Peebles, James Norman Smith, and Elizabeth H. Morehead Smith. In 1851 the church was relocated to Clinton (3 miles south), the De Witt county seat.

In 1855 the county's second Presbyterian church was organized in Concrete (11 miles north), and in 1878 a third congregation began in the new county seat of Cuero. By 1883 the three churches had merged into one congregation located in Cuero. Eventually, congregations from Indianola and Thomaston also joined the Cuero church.

A number of structures have housed the church over the years, and the members have maintained an active involvement in community affairs. The street in front of the church was renamed in honor of the Rev. Dr. William Angus McLeod, who served as minister here from 1919 until his death in 1947

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.

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The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
DeWitt County, located in Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to early Native American civilizations. The area was home to various indigenous tribes, including the Karankawa and Tonkawa, who utilized the region's natural resources for sustenance and trade.

In 1827, the area that is now DeWitt County was incorporated into the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Shortly after, American settlement began in the region, with empresarios such as Green DeWitt and Martín de León playing significant roles. DeWitt, for whom the county is named, received a land grant in 1825 and played a vital part in bringing Anglo-American colonizers to the area.

DeWitt County saw significant growth during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s. The Battle of Gonzales, the first engagement of the revolution, occurred just outside the county's boundaries. The county itself became a site of conflict during the revolution, with the Battle of Ethel's Woods and the Battle of Gonzales River Bridge taking place within its borders.

After Texas gained independence from Mexico, DeWitt County was officially established in 1846. The county seat was initially Gonzales, but it was moved to Cuero in 1876. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, DeWitt County experienced economic growth due to industries such as ranching, oil, and agriculture.

Present-day DeWitt County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The county is known for its rich historical sites, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts from the Texas Revolution, and numerous ranches that showcase the area's strong cattle industry. DeWitt County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and remains an essential part of Texas's broader historical narrative.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of DeWitt County, Texas.

  • 1827: DeWitt County is established as a part of DeWitt's Colony in Mexican Texas.
  • 1840: The Battle of Plum Creek takes place in DeWitt County during the Texan Revolution.
  • 1846: DeWitt County becomes a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.
  • 1848: Texas becomes a state of the United States, and DeWitt County remains a part of it.
  • 1850: Population growth leads to the establishment of the county seat, Cuero.
  • 1870: The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Cuero, increasing trade and transportation opportunities.
  • 1874: Cuero is officially incorporated as a city.
  • 1893: Oil is discovered in DeWitt County, leading to economic growth and development.
  • 1923: A disastrous fire destroys much of downtown Cuero.
  • 1941-1945: DeWitt County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
  • 1960s-1970s: DeWitt County experiences a decline in population and economic activity.
  • 1990s-present: DeWitt County experiences a resurgence in oil and gas production, leading to economic growth.