Congregation Beth Israel
Historical marker location:
IN THE 1880s, JEWS WERE WELL-ESTABLISHED IN THE CONCHO VALLEY AND MET FOR RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE ALTHOUGH THEY DID NOT HAVE A FORMAL BUILDING. BY 1926, THERE WERE APPROX. 35 JEWISH FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS IN SAN ANGELO, AND PROCEDURES TO ERECT A SYNAGOGUE BEGAN. THE SAME YEAR, A SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUNG JUDEA CHAPTER ORGANIZED. CONSTRUCTION ON THE SYNAGOGUE AT W. BEAUREGARD AVE. AND MILTON ST. BEGAN ONCE LAND WAS ACQUIRED FROM H.C. RAGSDALE FOR $1500 ON APR. 7, 1928, WITH DAVID GOLDMAN AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CONGREGATION. THE BUILDING DEDICATION OCCURRED ON MAR. 24, 1929. OVER THE YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN A HADASSAH WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION, A LOCAL CHAPTER OF B’NAI BRITH, AND A B’NAI BRITH YOUTH ORGANIZATION, WHEREBY TEENS HELD MONTHLY MEETINGS WITH OTHER JEWISH YOUTH IN OTHER CITIES IN WEST TEXAS. DURING THE 1940s THROUGH THE 1960s THERE WAS A VERY ACTIVE JEWISH COMMUNITY HERE, MOST OF WHOM WERE OWNERS OR ASSOCIATES IN THE CITY’S RETAIL BUSINESSES; MANY WERE IMMIGRANTS OR CHILDREN OF IMMIGRANTS FROM EASTERN EUROPE.
THE SYNAGOGUE NEVER AFFILIATED WITH ANY MAJOR DIVISION OF JUDAISM, BUT HAS ALWAYS REMAINED INDEPENDENT. THE CONGREGATION HAS SERVED NOT ONLY THE SPIRITUAL NEEDS OF JEWS IN SAN ANGELO BUT ALSO THOSE IN MANY SMALLER TOWNS, AND AS FAR AS MIDLAND, ODESSA, AND ABILENE BEFORE THEIR SYNAGOGUES WERE BUILT. RABBI DAVID SHNAYERSON SERVED AS SPIRITUAL LEADER FROM 1951-1966. ALTHOUGH THERE ARE ONLY A FEW FAMILIES LEFT NOW, THE CONGREGATION HAS CONTINUED TO HOLD WEEKLY AND HOLIDAY SERVICES HERE SINCE 1928. IT IS ONE OF THE OLDEST IN TEXAS STILL DOING SO IN ITS ORIGINAL BUILDING AND IS THE MOST INTACT IN ITS OUTWARD APPEARANCE AND DESIGN
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.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
In the late 1800s, the county began to attract settlers looking for opportunities in ranching and agriculture. This period saw an influx of farmers and ranchers who developed the land for cattle and sheep grazing, as well as growing crops such as cotton, corn, and wheat. The population increased significantly during this time, leading to the official organization of Tom Green County in 1874.
The county experienced rapid growth during the late 19th century, thanks to the establishment of Fort Concho and the expansion of the railroad. Fort Concho served as a primary military post protecting settlements against Native American raids and fostered economic growth by providing stability and resources to the region. Additionally, the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further spurred economic development, making transportation of goods easier and stimulating trade.
In the early 20th century, Tom Green County faced several challenges, including droughts and the Great Depression. However, the county managed to overcome these obstacles and continued to thrive. Today, Tom Green County is known for its agriculture, oil and gas production, and as a center for healthcare and education. With a rich history that encompasses Native American heritage, frontier life, military significance, and economic growth, Tom Green County has played a vital role in the development of West Texas.
Tom Green County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Tom Green County, Texas.
- 1874 - Tom Green County is organized and named after Confederate General Thomas Green.
- 1882 - The first courthouse in Tom Green County is built in the city of Ben Ficklin.
- 1884 - San Angelo becomes the county seat after a contentious election.
- 1886 - The Texas and Pacific Railway line is extended to San Angelo, boosting the city's economy.
- 1899 - San Angelo is incorporated as a city.
- 1928 - Goodfellow Air Force Base is established as a training facility during World War II.
- 1952 - Construction of the O.H. Ivie Reservoir begins on the Colorado River near San Angelo.
- 1995 - The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts opens.
- 2002 - San Angelo experiences a devastating flood, causing significant damage to the city.
- 2015 - The San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo celebrates its 83rd anniversary.