Historical Marker

First Presbyterian Church

Historical marker location:
Chestnut and Fifth St., Colorado City, Texas
( Chestnut and Fifth Streets, Colorado City.)
Marker installed: 1969
Marker size: 27" x 42"

On the second Sunday of January, 1881, The Rev. O.F. Rogers, a Presbyterian minister and school teacher from Mississippi, preached the first sermon ever heard in Colorado (City). The congregation met in a saloon, only large place in the tent town. The bar was covered with wagon sheets and after the sermon, a collection was taken for the minister. A dug-out, floored with corn sacks and equipped with boxes for seats, housed the first formal church, organized in May with 11 charter members. W.J. Miller was installed as elder and the church was placed under control of the Texas Central Presbytery. In a few weeks, a tent was erected to accommodate church services, Sunday school and public school. P.O. Coleman, prominent doctor and educator, and J.E. Riordan, banker, were then named elders. Later, church members worshipped in the newly built school house. The first permanent church building, located at Locust and Second Streets, was dedicated May 3, 1891. The first trustees were Dr. P.C. Coleman, W.J. Miller, William Kennedy, C.A. Arbuthnot and John Carlisle. The present church building was completed August 30, 1925, when The Rev. W.M. Elliott was Pastor. An education unit was added, 1957, under The Rev. Earl Clary, Pastor.

(1969)

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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Texas random facts
Mitchell County is located in the western part of Texas and has a rich history that dates back to the 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Lipan Apache and the Comanche, who roamed the region for centuries.

In the mid-1800s, settlers began to arrive in the area, attracted by the land's fertile soil and the promise of a new frontier. One of the earliest settlements was the town of Colorado City, which was founded in 1881. Originally established as a rail station, the town quickly grew and became the county seat of Mitchell County.

A significant event in the county's history occurred in 1928, when the discovery of oil in the region brought a wave of prosperity and economic growth. Oil companies flocked to the area, and Mitchell County experienced a boom as oil fields were developed and wells were drilled. The industry continued to play a significant role in the county's economy, attracting workers and spurring the growth of towns such as Loraine and Westbrook.

Over the years, Mitchell County has witnessed both progress and challenges. The construction of Lake Colorado City in the 1930s provided a recreational outlet for residents and helped with water conservation efforts. However, the county, like many in Texas, faced hardships during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, which had a profound impact on the agricultural sector.

Today, Mitchell County is known for its friendly communities, natural beauty, and rich heritage. It remains an important area for agriculture, with cotton, wheat, and cattle being the main industries. The county also offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking, allowing residents and visitors to connect with the region's history and natural resources.

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

  • 1876 - Mitchell County is established
  • 1880s - Ranching becomes the main industry in the county
  • 1882 - Colorado City is founded as the county seat
  • 1907 - Oil is discovered in Mitchell County, leading to an economic boom
  • 1925 - Colorado City experiences a major oil boom
  • 1942-1946 - During World War II, an internment camp for German prisoners of war is established in Mitchell County
  • 1962 - Lake Colorado City State Park is established
  • 1976 - The historic Llano Estacado Wind Ranch is built in Mitchell County
  • 1994 - Mitchell County Historical Commission is formed
  • 2004 - The Windy Point Park and Campground is opened
  • 2011 - Texas Parks and Wildlife Department opens the newly renovated Mitchell County Courthouse Museum