Bethel Union Baptist Church
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 11.009' N 96 56.736' W
887 W. Hempstead Street
Text: The La Grange Baptist District Association of Texas was organized in 1874. That same year, land was purchased in Giddings for a church that had recently been organized in a private home. A church building was soon erected, located south of the courthouse in a section of town known as The Flat. At the first service held in the new church, a name was adopted, Willow Grove Baptist Church. Also at that service, the Rev. I. Tolliver was named minister. Some years later, another church located in The Flat, St. Paul Chapel, and the Willow Grove Baptist Church merged to form one congregation. The church moved to its present site, at the corner of West Dallas and Hempstead streets. Following the union of the two congregations, the name was changed to Bethel Union Baptist Church. The official organization date of the church is 1886. The church continued to serve its community for a number of years. Eventually, part of the congregation left to form another congregation. Additional property was added to the church in 1911, 1940, 1942, and 1943. Five former pastors of Bethel Union Baptist Church have served as moderators of the La Grange Baptist District Association.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 11.009' N 96 56.736' W
887 W. Hempstead Street
Text: The La Grange Baptist District Association of Texas was organized in 1874. That same year, land was purchased in Giddings for a church that had recently been organized in a private home. A church building was soon erected, located south of the courthouse in a section of town known as The Flat. At the first service held in the new church, a name was adopted, Willow Grove Baptist Church. Also at that service, the Rev. I. Tolliver was named minister. Some years later, another church located in The Flat, St. Paul Chapel, and the Willow Grove Baptist Church merged to form one congregation. The church moved to its present site, at the corner of West Dallas and Hempstead streets. Following the union of the two congregations, the name was changed to Bethel Union Baptist Church. The official organization date of the church is 1886. The church continued to serve its community for a number of years. Eventually, part of the congregation left to form another congregation. Additional property was added to the church in 1911, 1940, 1942, and 1943. Five former pastors of Bethel Union Baptist Church have served as moderators of the La Grange Baptist District Association.
City of Giddings
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.857' N 96 56.258' W
Text: County seat of Lee County. Named for Jabez D. Giddings (1814-78), of Washington County, one of four brothers from Pennsylvania who were Texas transportation pioneers and business leaders. The town was established as a shipping point when Houston & Texas Central Railroad (in which J. D. Giddings was a stockholder) reached here in 1871. A second and third railroad (San Antonio & Aransas Pass, 1889, and Hearne & Brazos Valley, 1913) increased city's prestige. Commission form government was adopted in 1913. A diversified economy developed.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.857' N 96 56.258' W
Text: County seat of Lee County. Named for Jabez D. Giddings (1814-78), of Washington County, one of four brothers from Pennsylvania who were Texas transportation pioneers and business leaders. The town was established as a shipping point when Houston & Texas Central Railroad (in which J. D. Giddings was a stockholder) reached here in 1871. A second and third railroad (San Antonio & Aransas Pass, 1889, and Hearne & Brazos Valley, 1913) increased city's prestige. Commission form government was adopted in 1913. A diversified economy developed.
First Baptist Church of Giddings
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.879' N 96 56.274' W
Text: Founded 1872. In 1873 had 16 members, with J. Budd as pastor. First building (1881) was west of present site. Pastors serving 10 to 15 years in church's century of growth to 300 members: Q. T. Simpson, W. W. Burr, Peter DeYoung, H. L. McLerran, J. W. Tripp. Present pastor is evangelist John Karcher.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.879' N 96 56.274' W
Text: Founded 1872. In 1873 had 16 members, with J. Budd as pastor. First building (1881) was west of present site. Pastors serving 10 to 15 years in church's century of growth to 300 members: Q. T. Simpson, W. W. Burr, Peter DeYoung, H. L. McLerran, J. W. Tripp. Present pastor is evangelist John Karcher.
First Presbyterian Church
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.905' N 96 56.186' W
Text: Founded 1876, with thirteen charter members, under the direction of Rev. H. B. Burr and Rev. R. H. Byers. Edifice designed and built in 1886 by the ruling elder, Frank Morris. Annex constructed in 1952. Oldest church building in Giddings in continuous use.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.905' N 96 56.186' W
Text: Founded 1876, with thirteen charter members, under the direction of Rev. H. B. Burr and Rev. R. H. Byers. Edifice designed and built in 1886 by the ruling elder, Frank Morris. Annex constructed in 1952. Oldest church building in Giddings in continuous use.
First United Methodist Church of Giddings
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.752' N 96 55.591' W
297 E. Monroe Street
Text: Founded 1871 with 24 charter members; first congregation to be organized in community, before platting of town in 1872. The Rev. William C. Lewis was first pastor. Early trustees included W. H. Cherry, Thomas Cox, R. D. McClellan, P. H. Merchant, John W. Moore, S. R. Mullen, H. Petway, W. A. Rector, W. B. Seay, T. G. B. Willard. Lay delegate to 1902-03 annual conferences was B. J. Fletcher. First church building was erected in 1879. Originally part of a circuit, Giddings in 1938 became a station charge. Present sanctuary was built in 1957.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.752' N 96 55.591' W
297 E. Monroe Street
Text: Founded 1871 with 24 charter members; first congregation to be organized in community, before platting of town in 1872. The Rev. William C. Lewis was first pastor. Early trustees included W. H. Cherry, Thomas Cox, R. D. McClellan, P. H. Merchant, John W. Moore, S. R. Mullen, H. Petway, W. A. Rector, W. B. Seay, T. G. B. Willard. Lay delegate to 1902-03 annual conferences was B. J. Fletcher. First church building was erected in 1879. Originally part of a circuit, Giddings in 1938 became a station charge. Present sanctuary was built in 1957.
Fletcher Home
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.913' N 96 56.200' W
173 E. Hempstead Street
Text: Built by August W. Schubert, 1879. Bought 1894 by Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, to house a ministerial college, which closed prior to 1900. Sold to Baylis J. Fletcher, Lee County treasurer and legislator. Presently owned by the Fletcher family.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.913' N 96 56.200' W
173 E. Hempstead Street
Text: Built by August W. Schubert, 1879. Bought 1894 by Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, to house a ministerial college, which closed prior to 1900. Sold to Baylis J. Fletcher, Lee County treasurer and legislator. Presently owned by the Fletcher family.
General Robert E. Lee
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.907' N 96 56.242' W
Text: County named for beloved Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Led army of Northern Virginia which included famed Hood's Texas Brigade. He said about them "I never ordered that brigade to hold a position that they did not hold it." "The enemy never sees the backs of my Texans." In the Battle of the Wilderness the Texans, seeing Lee set to lead the charge and fearing for his safety, halted, shouting, "General Lee to the rear," until he complied. Lee once declined furloughs for the Texans for he needed their services. He considered them his best shock troops. About Lee's surrender a Texan said, "I'd rather have died than surrendered; but if Marse Bob thinks that is best...Marse Bob is bound to be right as usual."
Reverse Side of Marker - COLONEL ROBERT E LEE IN TEXAS 1857-1861 Robert E. Lee spent 25 months on the Texas frontier, proving and seasoning grounds for great army leaders in the impending Civil War. With the 2nd U.S. Cavalry at Camp Cooper, he led a 1,600-mile scouting expedition into Indian country. He commanded the 2nd, first at San Antonio - leading the attempt to capture Mexican bandit Juan Cortina - next at Fort Mason. Lee learned how to adapt himself and his men to outdoor life and adverse conditions he later faced on battlefields. Knowledge of the ways of his fellow officers who later held high ranks in both armies served him well in military crisis. He also realized his strong love for his native Virginia and refused the offer of Commander-In- Chief choosing to fight with his state.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.907' N 96 56.242' W
Text: County named for beloved Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Led army of Northern Virginia which included famed Hood's Texas Brigade. He said about them "I never ordered that brigade to hold a position that they did not hold it." "The enemy never sees the backs of my Texans." In the Battle of the Wilderness the Texans, seeing Lee set to lead the charge and fearing for his safety, halted, shouting, "General Lee to the rear," until he complied. Lee once declined furloughs for the Texans for he needed their services. He considered them his best shock troops. About Lee's surrender a Texan said, "I'd rather have died than surrendered; but if Marse Bob thinks that is best...Marse Bob is bound to be right as usual."
Reverse Side of Marker - COLONEL ROBERT E LEE IN TEXAS 1857-1861 Robert E. Lee spent 25 months on the Texas frontier, proving and seasoning grounds for great army leaders in the impending Civil War. With the 2nd U.S. Cavalry at Camp Cooper, he led a 1,600-mile scouting expedition into Indian country. He commanded the 2nd, first at San Antonio - leading the attempt to capture Mexican bandit Juan Cortina - next at Fort Mason. Lee learned how to adapt himself and his men to outdoor life and adverse conditions he later faced on battlefields. Knowledge of the ways of his fellow officers who later held high ranks in both armies served him well in military crisis. He also realized his strong love for his native Virginia and refused the offer of Commander-In- Chief choosing to fight with his state.
Helen Knox
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.991' N 96 56.868' W
Text: (1885-1959) Historian-financier. One of the few women given athletic letters (in tennis) at the University of Texas. Born in Giddings, daughter of bank president W. A. Knox, she became (1927) manager of women's accounts, Chase National Bank, New York. Known for her writings on banking, she was chairman of finance in restoration of home of Gen. Robert E. Lee; she belonged to Colonial Dames and D. A. R., and was president (1944-46), National Association of Bank Women.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.991' N 96 56.868' W
Text: (1885-1959) Historian-financier. One of the few women given athletic letters (in tennis) at the University of Texas. Born in Giddings, daughter of bank president W. A. Knox, she became (1927) manager of women's accounts, Chase National Bank, New York. Known for her writings on banking, she was chairman of finance in restoration of home of Gen. Robert E. Lee; she belonged to Colonial Dames and D. A. R., and was president (1944-46), National Association of Bank Women.
Henry Prentice Redfield, Texas Soldier
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.991' N 96 56.868' W
Text: (May 27, 1819 - February 27, 1900) Born Derry , N. H.; came to Texas, 1831. Joined army, 1835. Fought at Battle of Gonzales, 1835; Siege of Bexar, 1835; San Jacinto, 1836 (all in Texas Revolution). Fought in Indian wars: wounded at Battle of Plum Creek in 1840. In Battle of Salado Creek, 1842. In Mexican War he joined 1st Texas Cavalry, 1846-47. Fought at both Resaca de la Palma and the Siege of Monterrey. Married (first) Sarah Card and (second) Julia Kersting.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.991' N 96 56.868' W
Text: (May 27, 1819 - February 27, 1900) Born Derry , N. H.; came to Texas, 1831. Joined army, 1835. Fought at Battle of Gonzales, 1835; Siege of Bexar, 1835; San Jacinto, 1836 (all in Texas Revolution). Fought in Indian wars: wounded at Battle of Plum Creek in 1840. In Battle of Salado Creek, 1842. In Mexican War he joined 1st Texas Cavalry, 1846-47. Fought at both Resaca de la Palma and the Siege of Monterrey. Married (first) Sarah Card and (second) Julia Kersting.
Holy Cross Cemetery
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 04.777' N 96 56.631' W
Text: At former site of Holy Cross Church, founded here in Rabb's Creek area in 1873. Opened at the death of Pastor Johann Zapf (1873), the cemetery has 53 graves. Parish sold church site, retained cemetery; built a new church near Warda (2.25 mi. S) in Fayette County, in 1882.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 04.777' N 96 56.631' W
Text: At former site of Holy Cross Church, founded here in Rabb's Creek area in 1873. Opened at the death of Pastor Johann Zapf (1873), the cemetery has 53 graves. Parish sold church site, retained cemetery; built a new church near Warda (2.25 mi. S) in Fayette County, in 1882.
J. D. Giddings Lodge No. 280, A. F. & A. M.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.900' N 96 56.133' W
Text: Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1865, this Masonic Lodge had its beginnings in the community of Evergreen (about 5 mi. N). Relocated to the new town of Giddings in 1872 after the railroad bypassed Evergreen, the lodge has played an important part in the civic life of its adopted city. Over the years, lodge facilities have been shared with the public schools, as well as with a number of community organizations and governmental agencies. A new lodge hall was built at this site in 1969-70. The lodge continues to be an active part of the community. ."
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.900' N 96 56.133' W
Text: Chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas in 1865, this Masonic Lodge had its beginnings in the community of Evergreen (about 5 mi. N). Relocated to the new town of Giddings in 1872 after the railroad bypassed Evergreen, the lodge has played an important part in the civic life of its adopted city. Over the years, lodge facilities have been shared with the public schools, as well as with a number of community organizations and governmental agencies. A new lodge hall was built at this site in 1969-70. The lodge continues to be an active part of the community. ."
James Goucher
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 07.763' N 96 56.918' W
Text: In this grave rest James Goucher and five members of his family murdered by Indians November 26, 1836. With the true pioneering spirit he had opened the first road from San Felipe to the settlements on the Colorado known for many years as "Goucher's Trace."
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 07.763' N 96 56.918' W
Text: In this grave rest James Goucher and five members of his family murdered by Indians November 26, 1836. With the true pioneering spirit he had opened the first road from San Felipe to the settlements on the Colorado known for many years as "Goucher's Trace."
Lee County Courthouse
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.889' N 96 56.229' W
Text: Designed by J. R. Gordon along lines similar to New York State Capitol and several buildings at Harvard University. Classified as Richardsonian Romanesque style, after the famous Louisiana-born architect Henry H. Richardson. Built by Sonnefield, Emmins and Abright of San Antonio, 1899. Replaced first courthouse, which burned 1897. Located on crest of divide separating the Colorado and Brazos River basins.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.889' N 96 56.229' W
Text: Designed by J. R. Gordon along lines similar to New York State Capitol and several buildings at Harvard University. Classified as Richardsonian Romanesque style, after the famous Louisiana-born architect Henry H. Richardson. Built by Sonnefield, Emmins and Abright of San Antonio, 1899. Replaced first courthouse, which burned 1897. Located on crest of divide separating the Colorado and Brazos River basins.
Lee County
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.882' N 96 56.252' W
Text: Located on Old San Antonio Road, on land surveyed in 1821 as part of the original colony of Moses and Stephen F. Austin. In 1854 became site of major settlement by Wend from northern Europe, led by Pastor Johann Kilian. Had only school in U. S. that taught in Wendish-- language surviving only here and in Australia, in the modern world. County was created from Bastrop, Burleson, Fayette and Washington. Organized in 1874, it was named for Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), general of the Army of Northern Virginia, in the southern Confederacy, 1862-1865. Giddings is the county seat.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.882' N 96 56.252' W
Text: Located on Old San Antonio Road, on land surveyed in 1821 as part of the original colony of Moses and Stephen F. Austin. In 1854 became site of major settlement by Wend from northern Europe, led by Pastor Johann Kilian. Had only school in U. S. that taught in Wendish-- language surviving only here and in Australia, in the modern world. County was created from Bastrop, Burleson, Fayette and Washington. Organized in 1874, it was named for Robert E. Lee (1807-1870), general of the Army of Northern Virginia, in the southern Confederacy, 1862-1865. Giddings is the county seat.
Lexington Masonic Lodge No. 138
Lexington
Lee County, Texas
30 24.895' N 97 00.644' W
Text: Chartered in 1854, when Lexington was part of Burleson County, the community's masonic Lodge was first named in honor of Andrew Neill, a Texas war for Independence veteran. the lodge's first officers were John M. Doak, Titus H. Mundine and John B. Nunn. Also in 1854, members helped build a lodge and school, chartered in 1860 as Lexington Male and Female Academy. The lodge changed its name in 1868 and in 1912 first sponsored an order of the Eastern Star Chapter. Today, lodge members continue to serve the Lexington community.
Lexington
Lee County, Texas
30 24.895' N 97 00.644' W
Text: Chartered in 1854, when Lexington was part of Burleson County, the community's masonic Lodge was first named in honor of Andrew Neill, a Texas war for Independence veteran. the lodge's first officers were John M. Doak, Titus H. Mundine and John B. Nunn. Also in 1854, members helped build a lodge and school, chartered in 1860 as Lexington Male and Female Academy. The lodge changed its name in 1868 and in 1912 first sponsored an order of the Eastern Star Chapter. Today, lodge members continue to serve the Lexington community.
Lexington Memorial Cemetery
Lexington
Lee County, Texas
30 25.273' N 97 00.021' W
Text: A Methodist Episcopal church, locally known as the German Methodist Church, was organized in Lexington in 1882. The church purchased two acres of land for a cemetery in November 1898. The first recorded burials on this site were those of two-year-old Reinhold Retzlaff and four-year-old Gustav Hillegeist in the spring of 1899. Also interred here are Civil War veterans Bernhard Retzlaff (who fought for both the Union and the Confederacy), Jacob Seifert, and Gustav Urbantke, who served as a lay minister for forty years. Others buried here include members of the Bauer, Grusendorf, Hillegeist, Hornung, Letterman, Otto, Peterson, Raesener, and Raschke families. All were charter members of the church.
Lexington
Lee County, Texas
30 25.273' N 97 00.021' W
Text: A Methodist Episcopal church, locally known as the German Methodist Church, was organized in Lexington in 1882. The church purchased two acres of land for a cemetery in November 1898. The first recorded burials on this site were those of two-year-old Reinhold Retzlaff and four-year-old Gustav Hillegeist in the spring of 1899. Also interred here are Civil War veterans Bernhard Retzlaff (who fought for both the Union and the Confederacy), Jacob Seifert, and Gustav Urbantke, who served as a lay minister for forty years. Others buried here include members of the Bauer, Grusendorf, Hillegeist, Hornung, Letterman, Otto, Peterson, Raesener, and Raschke families. All were charter members of the church.
Milton Garrett York, Sr.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.879' N 96 56.225' W
Text: Was born in East Texas (San Augustine County) on Sept. 5, 1843. After the death of his parents, Aaron and Ruth (lucas) York, he went to live with an uncle in Arkansas. Milton returned to Texas about 1860 and briefly taught school in the Evergreen community, in what is now Lee County. After serving in the Confederate army from 1861 to 1865, M. G. York returned to this area and married Matilda Heck. They settled on land along the Brenham-Austin Trace and lived there until they moved to Giddings about 1880. As a member of the J. G. Giddings Masonic Lodge, York was a strong supporter of education for the children of the area. After Lee County was created in 1874 out of portions of Bastrop, Burleson, Washington, and Fayette counties, he was appointed to a commission, along with C. Perry, A. P. Gaines, Solomon Fehr, and O. G. Jones, to help organize the new county. He later was elected county commissioner of Precinct 1. York's interest in public affairs continued with his election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1890. He represented Lee and Burleson counties during his two-year term. Upon his death in 1911, M. G. York was survived by his wife and six children. His role in early Lee County history is an important part of the area's heritage.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.879' N 96 56.225' W
Text: Was born in East Texas (San Augustine County) on Sept. 5, 1843. After the death of his parents, Aaron and Ruth (lucas) York, he went to live with an uncle in Arkansas. Milton returned to Texas about 1860 and briefly taught school in the Evergreen community, in what is now Lee County. After serving in the Confederate army from 1861 to 1865, M. G. York returned to this area and married Matilda Heck. They settled on land along the Brenham-Austin Trace and lived there until they moved to Giddings about 1880. As a member of the J. G. Giddings Masonic Lodge, York was a strong supporter of education for the children of the area. After Lee County was created in 1874 out of portions of Bastrop, Burleson, Washington, and Fayette counties, he was appointed to a commission, along with C. Perry, A. P. Gaines, Solomon Fehr, and O. G. Jones, to help organize the new county. He later was elected county commissioner of Precinct 1. York's interest in public affairs continued with his election to the Texas House of Representatives in 1890. He represented Lee and Burleson counties during his two-year term. Upon his death in 1911, M. G. York was survived by his wife and six children. His role in early Lee County history is an important part of the area's heritage.
Robert Devlin McClellan and Sarah Lewis Rainey McClellan
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.991' N 96 56.868' W
Text: First professional educators in Giddings, opening a private school in 1874. In 1883, start of Giddings public free schools saw the McClellans heading the first faculty. McClellan (January 19, 1837 - December 30, 1888), a noted mathematician, taught until his death; Mrs. McClellan (deceased February 2, 1914) remained at her post until 1895. Patterns they set still shape schools.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.991' N 96 56.868' W
Text: First professional educators in Giddings, opening a private school in 1874. In 1883, start of Giddings public free schools saw the McClellans heading the first faculty. McClellan (January 19, 1837 - December 30, 1888), a noted mathematician, taught until his death; Mrs. McClellan (deceased February 2, 1914) remained at her post until 1895. Patterns they set still shape schools.
Serbin
Serbin
Lee County, Texas
30 06.923' N 96 59.294' W
Text: Here in 1854 under the leadership of Rev. John Kilian Ev. Lutheran pastor about 600 Wends seeking religious liberty established the first Wendish settlement in Texas
Serbin
Lee County, Texas
30 06.923' N 96 59.294' W
Text: Here in 1854 under the leadership of Rev. John Kilian Ev. Lutheran pastor about 600 Wends seeking religious liberty established the first Wendish settlement in Texas
Shorter Chapel, A. M. E. Church
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 11.145' N 96 56.526' W
613 W. Houston Street
Text: Organized in 1875, this was one of the first black churches in Giddings. The congregation was named for the Rev. James A. Shorter (1817-1887), ninth bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. Anthony Anderson (1843-1922), one of the founders of Shorter Chapel, provided lumber for the first church building. That structure was destroyed by a storm in 1915. Members now worship in the third building erected at this site.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 11.145' N 96 56.526' W
613 W. Houston Street
Text: Organized in 1875, this was one of the first black churches in Giddings. The congregation was named for the Rev. James A. Shorter (1817-1887), ninth bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Rev. Anthony Anderson (1843-1922), one of the founders of Shorter Chapel, provided lumber for the first church building. That structure was destroyed by a storm in 1915. Members now worship in the third building erected at this site.
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Serbin
Lee County, Texas
30 06.923' N 96 59.294' W
Serbin
Lee County, Texas
30 06.923' N 96 59.294' W
St. Paul Baptist Church
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 11.009' N 96 56.736' W
Text: This congregation was organized in 1870 by ex-slaves Bob Bennett, James Collier, Andrew Jackson, Elijah Lewis, Alfred Williams, Steve Williams, Henry Wilson, and their families. They worshiped first in a residence provided by Alford Williams, then erected a sanctuary in an area known as "The Flat." One prominent early member was Matthew Gaines (1842-1900), a former slave who became a minister, state senator, and spokesman for civil rights. St. Paul Baptist Church moved to its present location in 1911. The congregation supports a variety of community service activities.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 11.009' N 96 56.736' W
Text: This congregation was organized in 1870 by ex-slaves Bob Bennett, James Collier, Andrew Jackson, Elijah Lewis, Alfred Williams, Steve Williams, Henry Wilson, and their families. They worshiped first in a residence provided by Alford Williams, then erected a sanctuary in an area known as "The Flat." One prominent early member was Matthew Gaines (1842-1900), a former slave who became a minister, state senator, and spokesman for civil rights. St. Paul Baptist Church moved to its present location in 1911. The congregation supports a variety of community service activities.
Town of Lexington
Lexington
Lee County, Texas
30 24.868' N 97 00.602' W
Text: Settled in 1837 in area then part of Burleson County; named for Massachusetts town where the American Revolution began. First inhabitants of the area were Tonkawa Indians. The first white settler was James Shaw (1808-1879), a young surveyor and teacher from Ohio. He received a land grant for service in 1836 in the Battle of San Jacinto. He settled here, 1837, and set up first post office at nearby String Prairie community, 1849. Although early cotton industry declined, the town revived, 1890, when San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad reached here.
Lexington
Lee County, Texas
30 24.868' N 97 00.602' W
Text: Settled in 1837 in area then part of Burleson County; named for Massachusetts town where the American Revolution began. First inhabitants of the area were Tonkawa Indians. The first white settler was James Shaw (1808-1879), a young surveyor and teacher from Ohio. He received a land grant for service in 1836 in the Battle of San Jacinto. He settled here, 1837, and set up first post office at nearby String Prairie community, 1849. Although early cotton industry declined, the town revived, 1890, when San Antonio & Aransas Pass Railroad reached here.
William Preston (Bill) Longley
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.970' N 96 56.868' W
Giddings Cemetery
Text: (October 6, 1851 - October 11, 1878) Texas outlaw Bill Longley was from a respectable family, but his hot temper, his fondness for liquor, and unsettled conditions during Reconstruction led him to become one of the most daring gunslingers of his day. He was said to have killed 32 persons before his capture in 1877. Tried for a Lee County murder, he was hanged in Giddings in 1878. Before Longley died, he repented and urged others to avoid his example. His grave was once outside the cemetery bounds.
Giddings
Lee County, Texas
30 10.970' N 96 56.868' W
Giddings Cemetery
Text: (October 6, 1851 - October 11, 1878) Texas outlaw Bill Longley was from a respectable family, but his hot temper, his fondness for liquor, and unsettled conditions during Reconstruction led him to become one of the most daring gunslingers of his day. He was said to have killed 32 persons before his capture in 1877. Tried for a Lee County murder, he was hanged in Giddings in 1878. Before Longley died, he repented and urged others to avoid his example. His grave was once outside the cemetery bounds.
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