Caldwell Texas. (original) (raw)

Caldwell, Texas masonic lodge The masonic building in Caldwell TE Photo, 2001 More Texas Lodges

History in a Pecan Shell

Caldwell was designated county seat in 1840 when the Texas Congress annexed all of Washington County north of Yegua Creek to Milam County. The proposed town, surveyed by George B. Erath and named for Mathew Caldwell, was laid out parallel to the Old San Antonio Road. Caldwell served as the county seat of Milam County until Burleson County came into being in1846.

The town had a population of 300 prior to the Civil War and it's prosperity was reflected in its brick courthouse. During Reconstruction, a company of State Police was stationed in Caldwell. Postwar Caldwell had its own newspaper, bottling works and an ice plant.

The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway built through in 1880 and in 1905 six passenger trains arrived daily.

The first tax supported public school was built in 1882.

Company E of the Texas National Guard, was headquartered in Caldwell became part of the Thirty-sixth Infantry Division. Many soldiers of this unit were captured at Salerno, Italy, in 1943 and remained POWs until the war's end.

See City of Caldwell Historical Marker

Caldwell TX - Burleson County Courthouse

Caldwell TX PO Mural - Indians Moving close up

Historical Marker:

City of Caldwell

In 1840 the Republic of Texas Congress annexed to Milam County all of Washington County north of Yegua Creek and west of the Brazos River. The name Caldwell, which honored Mathew "Old Paint" Caldwell, a noted pioneer and a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, was chosen for a settlement that would become the seat of a future county. Following a land title dispute, this site was selected for the proposed town. Located on the Old San Antonio Road, it had been settled earlier by Virginia native Lewis L. Chiles, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto who had operated a trading post on Davidson Creek.

George B. Erath platted the town of Caldwell in 1840. Streets running parallel to the Old San Antonio Road were named for native animals and intersecting streets were named for the commissioners who had selected the townsite.

When Burleson County was created six years later, Caldwell became the permanent seat of government. Incorporated in 1891, Caldwell developed as a major agricultural shipping center with the completion of area rail lines in 1890 and 1912. Since the 1840s the city has played a vital role in the region through its steady commercial growth and rich heritage.

(1892)

Caldwell, Texas Attractions

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and vintage/historic photos, please contact us.