Historical Marker

Holy Rosary Catholic Parish

Historical marker location:
1416 George Street, Rosenberg, Texas
( Northeast corner of George Street and Avenue L)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 18" x 28"

IN 1895, ARABELLA DORIGAN DONATED TWO LOTS FOR THE BUILDING OF A CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ROSENBERG. MASS WAS HELD PERIODICALLY IN OTHER BUILDINGS UNTIL 1911, WHEN A WOODEN CHURCH AND RECTORY WERE BUILT AT AVENUE H AND 6TH STREET. A FIRE DESTROYED THE CHURCH IN 1924, AND A NEW MISSION STYLE STUCCO CHURCH WAS BUILT IN 1925. IN THE 1950s THE STRUCTURES WERE DEMOLISHED, AND THE PROPERTY WAS SOLD. THE THIRD CHURCH, DESIGNED BY MARK LEMMON IN THE GOTHIC REVIVAL STYLE, WAS BUILT WEST OF TOWN ON 25 ACRES DONATED BY JULIUS AND FRANCES GUBBELS AND WAS DEDICATED IN 1954. OVER THE YEARS A SCHOOL, STARTED IN THE 1930s, A RECTORY, A BELL TOWER, A GROTTO, A PARISH LIFE CENTER AND OTHER STRUCTURES HAVE BEEN BUILT AT THIS SITE

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.

religion Roman Catholic denomination churches
Texas was the product of men who knew how to use their brains as well as their fists.
John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley
Fort Bend County, Texas has a rich and significant history that spans several centuries. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Akokisa tribes. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with the region becoming a part of Stephen F. Austin's colony. The county was officially established in 1837 and named after a blockhouse fort built along the Brazos River.

One pivotal event in the county's history was the arrival of sugar cane cultivation in the 1840s. Immigrants from Germany and other European countries brought their expertise in sugar production and established large sugar plantations in Fort Bend County. The growth of the sugar industry substantially impacted the county's economy and led to the arrival of enslaved African Americans, who provided labor on these plantations.

During the American Civil War, Fort Bend County remained primarily loyal to the Confederate cause. Many residents joined Confederate units and fought in several battles, such as the Battle of Palmito Ranch and the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Following the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and worked towards diversifying its agricultural production.

The 20th century brought further transformations, with the discovery of oil and gas in the county. The newfound oil industry spurred economic growth and development, as well as population growth. Fort Bend County also played a vital role in the civil rights movement, with several significant milestones, including the integration of public schools in 1963. Today, Fort Bend County is a thriving and diverse community, known for its rich history, strong economy, and cultural diversity.

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

  • 1822: Stephen F. Austin grants land to his secretary, Samuel M. Williams, who establishes the Fort Bend settlement near present-day Richmond, Texas
  • 1824: Mexico establishes Fort Bend County as part of Austin's Colony
  • 1837: Fort Bend becomes an official county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1841: The new county courthouse is built in Richmond
  • 1856: Sugar production becomes a major industry in Fort Bend County
  • 1861: Fort Bend County residents support secession and the Confederacy during the Civil War
  • 1900: The first rail line, known as the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, arrives in Fort Bend County
  • 1920: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county
  • 1941: Sugar Land Regional Airport opens to support military training during World War II
  • 1959: The town of Stafford is incorporated
  • 1990: Fort Bend County's population exceeds 200,000