Petersburg, Texas, first Lavaca County seat. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Petersburg became the first county seat of Lavaca County in 1846 and the town received its post office two years later. Petersburg became a crossroads community - being on both the San Felipe - San Antonio road and the Columbus - Victoria road. In 1848 the population was mere 20 people and a single building served as county courthouse, school, church, and sheriff's office. It may not have been quiet - but everyone was well-behaved. Sadly, this all-purpose edifice burned - requiring a new building. While this new courthouse was being constructed, business was held al fresco - with prisoners farmed out in the care of local farmers.

In one of the fiercest county-seat rivalries in Texas history, Hallettsville was given the crown in an 1852 election. The county archives had to be taken by force from angry Petersburgers. The matter simmered for years - and was finally decided in 1860.

The now-empty courthouse became the Nelson Academy, a boarding school established in the 1850s. The school closed during the Civil War and Petersburg lost its post office in 1876. Petersburg had only one building not a residence in 1880.

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