Historical Marker

The Lay-Bozka House

Historical marker location:
Hallettsville, Texas
( 205 Fair Winds or 90A, south side of intersection with Hackberry Street, Hallettsville)
Marker installed: 1968
Marker size: 16" x 12" Plate & Medallion

One of distinctive structures of 19th century Texas. Sometimes called the "Wedding Cake House". Built 1878-1882 by B. J. E. Dietz at cost of $4,750 for Dr. James E. Lay, local physician and Civil War veteran. The architect was Victor Hugo, a French diplomat.

Native stone walls are 18 to 24 inches thick. Wood used was cypress. Mansard roof. Windows of variant designs and sizes.

Owned and preserved since 1948 by former Mayor M. I. Bozka.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1968

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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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
Texas random facts
Lavaca County, located in southeast Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back to its settlement in the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Tonkawa people, who thrived off the land's natural resources. European settlement began in the 1820s, following the arrival of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred colonists.

In 1846, Lavaca County was officially established by the Texas state legislature and was named after the Lavaca River, which runs through the area. The county quickly developed as a center for agriculture, with cotton becoming the primary cash crop. Many plantations were established, and slavery played a significant role in the local economy, impacting the social and cultural dynamics of the region.

During the Civil War, Lavaca County supported the Confederacy, with many of its residents volunteering for military service. The county experienced the effects of the war firsthand, including economic hardships and infrastructure damage. In the post-war years, the cotton industry faced several challenges, including the boll weevil infestation and the Great Depression, which led to a decline in agricultural dominance.

In the 20th century, Lavaca County transitioned into a more diversified economy, with the growth of oil and gas exploration. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought prosperity to the region, attracting new residents and businesses. Today, Lavaca County continues to be primarily rural with a strong agricultural heritage, while also benefiting from the contributions of the energy industry. The county's deep-rooted history and ongoing development make it a unique and historically significant part of Texas.

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

  • 1846 - Lavaca County is established by the Texas legislature, carved out of parts of neighboring counties.
  • 1849 - The first county seat is established in Hallettsville.
  • 1852 - The oldest known courthouse in Lavaca County is built in Hallettsville.
  • 1856 - The county's first newspaper, the Lavaca Democrat, is founded.
  • 1861-1865 - Lavaca County residents support the Confederacy during the Civil War.
  • 1867 - St. Peter's Lutheran Church, the oldest continuously active Lutheran congregation in Texas, is established in Hallettsville.
  • 1873 - The Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway extends its tracks into Lavaca County.
  • 1881 - A new courthouse is constructed in Hallettsville to replace the original courthouse.
  • 1922 - The area around Lavaca County experiences a significant oil boom, leading to increased economic activity.
  • 1936 - The current Lavaca County Courthouse, a Classical Revival-style building, is completed in Hallettsville.
  • 1942-1945 - Many Lavaca County residents serve in World War II.
  • 1997 - The Lavaca County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2010 - Lavaca County celebrates its 150th anniversary since its establishment.
  • 2018 - Lavaca County continues to be a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural industry.