St. Mary's Catholic Church
Historical marker location:The first recorded visit of a Catholic priest to Plantersville occurred in the summer of 1860. Infrequent worship services subsequently were held at the home of James Kelly Markey until the first church building was constructed in 1873.
An influx of Polish and German-Russian immigrants in the last quarter of the 19th century led to such growth in the congregation that Bishop Nicholas Gallagher of the Diocese of Galveston sent the Rev. Joseph Klein to serve as resident pastor in 1894. During Fr. Klein's pastorate, Cordelia Baker gave 10 acres of land to the diocese for the benefit of a German Catholic Church in Plantersville. A small building was completed and dedicated in 1894 under the name Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
After Fr. Klein's departure in 1907, the Rev. George Wilhelm became pastor, and St. Mary's divided into Polish and German congregations, with the Polish families founding St. Joseph's Church in Stoneham. The church building burned to the ground after being struck by lightning in 1917, and it was replaced the same year, under the leadership of the Rev. George Apel, with this Gothic Revival structure. Stained glass windows reflect the German heritage of the congregation, while the lancet windows, buttresses and crenellated bell tower demonstrate the building's Gothic Revival architectural influences.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2001
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 Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
In its early years, Grimes County played a significant role in the development of the Republic of Texas. It served as an important transportation hub due to its location on the Old San Antonio Road, which connected the different regions of Texas. The construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in the 1850s further enhanced the county's connectivity and promoted economic growth.
The county was not immune to the impact of the American Civil War, which deeply affected Texas as a whole. Grimes County saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes, and many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of recovery and reintegration into the post-war society.
Throughout the 20th century, Grimes County has evolved into an important agricultural and industrial center. The growth of the timber industry and the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought economic prosperity to the county. Today, Grimes County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, drawing visitors with its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural heritage.
Grimes County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grimes County, Texas.
- 1821: Grimes County, Texas, was established as a part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas province.
- 1830: The population of Grimes County experienced significant growth due to the influx of American settlers.
- 1836: Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution.
- 1837: Grimes County was officially formed and named after Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
- 1850: The advent of railroads in Grimes County resulted in increased trade and economic development.
- 1861: Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America at the start of the Civil War.
- 1867: Reconstruction efforts began after the end of the Civil War, aiming to rebuild the county's economy and infrastructure.
- 1873: Navasota became the county seat, replacing Anderson.
- 1881: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reached the town of Plantersville, further boosting the area's growth.
- 1900: The Galveston hurricane of 1900 caused significant devastation in Grimes County and the surrounding region.
- 1930s: The Great Depression had a major impact on Grimes County, leading to economic hardships and agricultural decline.
- 1942: The U.S. Army established Camp Hearne in Grimes County during World War II as a prisoner of war camp.
- Present: Grimes County continues to be a rural area with agriculture as a significant part of its economy.