Church of the Visitation

Historical marker location:
144 CR 3000, Westphalia, Texas
( From Lott take SH 320 about 8 mi SW; take CR NW about .25 m (loc. in Westphalia))
Marker installed: 1978
Marker size: 27" x 42"

German natives who settled originally in Colorado County came here in 1879 looking for better land. Pleased with the soil and location, they brought their families and immediately purchased 100 acres for a church and school. The earliest Mass was said in 1882 in the home of the first settler, Theodore Rabroker. The original church building, completed in February 1884, was destroyed the following May by a terrible storm. The congregation rebuilt the structure by July. Large numbers of German-American Catholic families moved into the area. Westphalia was named after the province from which the early settlers came.

Visiting priests served until 1893 when the Rev. Michael Heintzelmann was assigned as the permanent pastor. He led the congregation for the next 36 years. In 1895, with A. Fuchs of Waco as the designer and contractor, the present church house was completed. The stones were shipped by railroad from Muldoon, Texas, to Lott (8 mi. NE) and then hauled here by wagon. The central church area forms a Latin cross. For safety in storms, six inches of sway was built into the bell towers. The original-design stained glass windows are very rare and priceless. This is one of the largest wooden church buildings in the state

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 Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Falls County is located in the central part of Texas, named after the beautiful 17-foot-high waterfalls that span the Brazos River. The area was originally home to several Native American tribes, including Appaches and Caddo Indians, who lived off hunting and gathering. The Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, claiming the land for Spain and establishing missions in the region. However, the native tribes fiercely resisted colonization efforts, resulting in tensions and conflicts.

In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in Falls County, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1850, and the town of Marlin was designated as the county seat. The development of railroads during this period further spurred the growth of the region, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.

During the Civil War, Falls County, like many other parts of Texas, heavily supported the Confederacy. The economy revolved around agriculture, especially cotton plantations, which relied on enslaved labor. However, the war brought multiple challenges to the county, including shortages of supplies and soldiers, as well as occasional conflicts with Union forces.

In the post-war era, Falls County faced a period of rebuilding and diversification. The reliance on cotton continued, but other industries such as livestock ranching and oil extraction began to play a significant role in the county's economy. Over the years, Falls County has gone through various changes and challenges, but it remains a vibrant community with a rich history tied to the land and its people.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Falls County, Texas.

  • 1837 - Falls County is established by the Republic of Texas
  • 1838 - The county seat is established in Perryville
  • 1850 - Marlin becomes the new county seat
  • 1861-1865 - Falls County residents serve in the Civil War
  • 1873 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Marlin
  • 1886 - The town of Lott is incorporated
  • 1896 - The Marlin Female Institute is established
  • 1910 - A serious cotton boll weevil infestation hits the county
  • 1921 - The infamous Klan trials take place in Marlin
  • 1953 - Falls County dedicates a new courthouse
  • 1975 - Marlin State Hospital is designated a National Historic Landmark
  • 1996 - The Marlin Democrat newspaper celebrates its 125th anniversary
  • 2018 - Falls County celebrates its 180th anniversary