Victoria County, Texas
Victoria is home to 96 official Texas Historical Commission markers — each one telling a piece of the city’s story. Browse the markers below, then find them on the map and discover more nearby with RoadHistorical.
Founder of Victoria. Empresario of colonial grant from Mexico in 1824. Spanish cavalier, Indian fighter. First cattle baron of Texas. Born in Burgos, Tamaulipas, Mexico in 1765. Died in Victoria in 1833. RIP 1936
View on map ↗Discovered in this vicinity on April 14, 1689 by Alonso de Leon. Named in honor of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" patron saint of Mexico. Here at a ford, used since Indian days, empresario Martin de Leon founded the town of…
View on map ↗Born at Burgos, Mexico, 1765. Appointed Captain in the Spanish Army, 1790, for bravery displayed in Indian fighting. Received a grant in 1824 to settle 41 families in Texas. Established the town of Victoria. Received an…
View on map ↗Born in Pennsylvania in 1810. Came to Texas in 1835. A signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence March 2, 1836. Died in Victoria July 13, 1836 while an officer in the Army of the Republic of Texas. Erected by the…
View on map ↗John J. Linn, one of De Leon's colonists, merchant, alcalde, mayor, member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas. Born in Ireland June 19, 1798. Died in Victoria October 28, 1885. 1936
View on map ↗The Citadel of Victoria. Built before the year 1836 by Placido Benavides, son-in-law of Martin De Leon. The house served as a place of refuge for the citizens of Victoria during the Comanche raid of 1840. (1936)
View on map ↗Erected by Martin De Leon, founder of Victoria, soon after his arrival in October, 1824. Priests serving there were Rev. Fathers Jose Miguel Muro, Jose Antonio Valdez, Antonio Diaz De Leon, O.M.F. The church was…
View on map ↗This marker faces the site (across the street) of the home of John Joseph Linn. Merchant, soldier, statesman, historian. Born in Ireland, October 25, 1798. Last alcalde and first mayor of Victoria. Member of the General…
View on map ↗Victor Marion Rose, poet, editor, historian and soldier. From the founders of Victoria he gathered the fragments of the past and wove them into the history of Victoria County. Born in Victoria January 1, 1844. Died in…
View on map ↗Second oldest existing newspaper in Texas. Established May 8, 1846 by Thomas Sterne --- John D. Logan. Among its editors have been John Henry Brown, Rev. H.S. Thrall, Victor R. Rose, Leopold Morris, historians. Gen.…
View on map ↗In this county the first European setlement in Texas, Fort St. Louis, was built by the French explorer La Salle in 1685. Between 1722 and 1726 a Spanish presidio and the Mission of Espiritu Santo were established.…
View on map ↗Center front: 1528 Cabeza de Vaca 1685 Cavelier de la Salle Under the Mexican Government Victoria was a district in 1832, a Municipality in 1835. Under the Republic of Texas Victoria County was created March 17, 1836…
View on map ↗Country's Defenders from Victoria County who made the supreme sacrifice in the World War erected by the citizens of Victoria County dedicated by Leon Zear Post No. 166 the American Legion. Overton A.Abshier, Charles J.…
View on map ↗When Don Martín de Leon platted the original townsite of Guadalupe Victoria in 1824, he designated public squares, including one that would later be shared by city and county governments for many years. Victoria County…
View on map ↗Soldier in the Texas War for Independence Soldier, Ranger and Congressman Republic of Texas. Erected by the State of Texas, 1962.
View on map ↗Built by Dr. Stephen Cocke as hunting lodge on Green Lake; of hand-hewn pine lumber bought in New York. In 1854 lodge was torn down, boards numbered; then rebuilt on present site. Since 1871 home of pioneer lawyer…
View on map ↗Texas War for Independence Veteran Assistant Surgeon and Surgeon for the Republic of Texas. Erected by the State of Texas, 1962.
View on map ↗Present church built 1903-1904. Third building used by this congregation as a church since the colonization of Victoria in 1824 by Don Martin de Leon. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964.
View on map ↗Founded 1824 by Martin de Leon as center of his colony, Mexico's buffer against Comanches. Active in 1836 in support of Texas War for Independence, and in Confederate cause during Civil War. Historic, trade, cattle, oil…
View on map ↗Transportation, military and supply center in the Civil War. On one branch of the cotton road, which moved crop to Mexico for exchange on foreign markets for vital guns, ammunition, medicines and other goods. The 1861…
View on map ↗Built before Civil War. Had 8 fireplaces, 10 rooms, many porches. Owned 1861-1881 by banker-merchant Abraham Levi, donor charitable fund. In 1865, taken over by U.S. Army of Occupation; used as Reconstruction…
View on map ↗1883 home of Alexander Lowe, veteran of Mexican War, mayor, businessman, wheelwright, pioneer in refrigerated shipping. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1965
View on map ↗Originally built before 1885, on Constitution Street side of the public square, for public gatherings and concerts. Moved to center of public square and placed upon foundation of the old standpipe in 1923. Completely…
View on map ↗Built 1870's by W.J. McNamara, town council member and dealer in cotton, wool, hides. Rural Victorian Gothic architecture. Donated by McNamara- O'Connor family in 1959. Restored as Historical and Fine Arts Museum.…
View on map ↗(1812-July 3, 1853) Born on the Isle of Guernsey, Great Britain; moved to London at an early age. After marriage,he emigrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1832. Came to Texas in 1834, and settled on the San Jacinto River.…
View on map ↗(Member of the first Railroad Commission of Texas) A Victoria lawyer. Elected from this county, 1861, to state legislature. In U.S. Congress, 1872-1874. Appointed by Gov. James S. Hogg to newly-formed Commission,…
View on map ↗Constructed 1871 as the Continental Hotel which operated until 1897. Bought by Prof. O.E. H. Mundt. Served as classroom building for his school, founded in 1893. School operated until 1904. In 1946, purchased from Mundt…
View on map ↗Built in 1887. Architecture is Southern Colonial, with lofty porch pillars and Georgian front entrance. Original owner was in a prominent firm, J.C.Heaton & Brothers, druggists here and Cuero. Recorded Texas Historic…
View on map ↗Built in 1894 for Edward Power, significant for its columns, wide porches, wood trim. Given in 1960 by Mrs. James Power, to the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and the United…
View on map ↗Built 1890 of Florida pine and cypress; typical Victorian style. Home of James A. McFaddin (1840-1916), loyal citizen of Texas Republic and pioneer stockman. He married Margaret Virginia Coward in 1861 and served as an…
View on map ↗New York native Alexander Hamilton Phillips (1804-1880) moved to Texas in 1837. He served in both the Congress of the Republic of Texas and the Legislature of the State of Texas. He moved his law practice to Victoria in…
View on map ↗Once the oldest public burial ground in Victoria, this square was laid in 1824 when Martin de Leon founded the town, then located in the Mexican State of "Coahuila and Texas". In early years the cemetery included the…
View on map ↗Inhabited briefly by adventurer Cabeza de Vaca in 1530's and French explorer La Salle in 1680's. Site of 1720 Mission Espiritu Santo de Zuniga. Mission friars, sent here to Christianize and civilize the Karankawa…
View on map ↗Reports of a French settlement somewhere in Texas sent a shockwave through New Spain. Eleven expeditions by land and sea were launched to find La Salle's settlement and destroy it. On April 22, 1689, Spanish governor…
View on map ↗Landmark of famous 1840 Indian raid, when Hamilton Ledbetter, builder of first part of house, fought Comanches, and his family escaped death by flight. Size and style of house have been greatly enhanced by later owners:…
View on map ↗(1808-1836) Born in Texas; fourth son of empresario Don Martin De Leon, founder of De Leon Colony and city of Victoria. Agapito De Leon was active in the colony's affairs, a Texas patriot during the War for Independence…
View on map ↗Came from Tamaulipas to Texas (then northernmost province of Mexico) about 1800, to be at the side of her husband, Don Martin de Leon, as he sought to obtain a Spanish grant to establish a civilized colony here. With…
View on map ↗(1806-1850) Born in Texas; third son of the Empresario Don Martin de Leon, founder of De Leon Colony and City of Victoria. Felix de Leon was held hostage on a pirate ship about 1822, to force his father to comply with…
View on map ↗(1798-1853) Eldest son of empresario Martin de Leon. Came with parents from interior of Mexico to Texas, the northermost province, about 1800. Worked with his fathter in founding De Leon Colony and city of Victoria in…
View on map ↗(1802-1842) Son of the Empresario Martin de Leon, founder of the De Leon Colony and City of Victoria. Silverstre de Leon was active in the Catholic church, served alcade of Victoria, and had other commissions. An Indian…
View on map ↗The first community cemetery in Victoria, located at present day Memorial Square, was unpopular with local citizens. They preferred home burial despite an 1846 city ordinance prohobiting the practice. In 1849 John…
View on map ↗German native Charles (Carl) August Beck (1810-1885) purchased forty acres at this site in 1862. Ten years later he built this Greek Revival home as a wedding gift for his son Charles Theodore Beck (b. 1846). This house…
View on map ↗Constructed in 1895, this 2-story commercial building was designed by Cuero architect Paul Helwig. It housed the offices of rancher Thomas M. O'Connor, a leading area businessman,and the legal firm of brothers Venable…
View on map ↗C.L. Thurmond, Jr. constructed this building in 1898 for use as a general mercantile store and residence. It is similar to other structures built here before the 1900s, when Bridge Street was a major commercial center…
View on map ↗This two-story brick residence was constructed in 1898-99 for attorney Joe L. Hill. In 1905 it was sold to Mary V. O'Connor, widow of prominent Victoria rancher Dennis O'Connor. During her family's ownership, the house…
View on map ↗This Italian Renaissance Revival building was constructed in 1911-13 to serve as the United States Post Office and Federal Courthouse. Otto P. Kroeger and Company of San Antonio was the contractor, and James Knox Taylor…
View on map ↗(November 29, 1906-May 23, 1975) Born to a pioneer Victoria County family, Sidney R. Weisiger grew up with stories of the area's early history. After a term as county sheriff and naval service during World War II, he…
View on map ↗German immigrants of the Victoria area began holding Lutheran worship sevices in private homes as early as the 1840s. The organizational meeting for this church, the first Lutheran congregation in the county, was…
View on map ↗A native of Arkansas, John W. Henderson (1864-1947) became a prominent local businessman through his insurance company and his interests in ranching, farming and real estate. In 1909 he and his wife Minna Catherine…
View on map ↗Harry G. Woodhouse (1865-1918), a former conductor with Southern Pacific Railway, completed this house for his family in 1910. While living in Victoria, he became a successful farmer and served several terms on the city…
View on map ↗German native George Herman Hauschild (1839-1911) came to Victoria shortly after his marriage to Adele Luder in 1866. A prominent pioneer businessman, Hauschild opened an opera house here in 1894. The theatre, which…
View on map ↗In 1872 the Rev. Jean Baptiste Teitien was appointed as an assistant pastor at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Victoria. There he realized the need for a separate parish to serve the area's German-speaking community. He…
View on map ↗Born in Virginia in 1821, Viola Case moved in 1848 to Victoria, where she taught at the Victoria Female Academy founded by her husband, the Rev. John R. Shive. She continued the school after his death in 1853 and after…
View on map ↗This home was constructed in the early 1890s for Jacob Fox (1841-1914), a native of Alsace who earlier had built a cottin gin and grist mill on this block. A Confederate veteran, Fox was known in Victoria as a…
View on map ↗Born in New York, John Howland Wood came to Texas in 1836 and fought in the Texas Revolution. After serving as quartermaster with the Texas Army in Victoria, he settled on a ranch at Black Point (now Bayside) in the…
View on map ↗A native of Victoria County, Venable Bland Proctor (1862-1936) joined his father's law firm in nearby DeWitt County in 1887. Proctor moved to Victoria in 1898 and purchased this piece of property in 1900. He soon had…
View on map ↗The community of Shillerville began when several Czechosovakian families came to this area in 1894. Among the first settlers was Jan Shiller, for whom the farm community was named. The first burial, that of Rosalie…
View on map ↗The coming of the railroad to Victoria was an important part of the town's economic and social history. Although the first line reached Victoria by 1860, the railroad's major impact came after the end of the Civil War.…
View on map ↗Victoria businesman, mayor and state legislator Benjamin F. Williams (1846-1916) built this home for his family in 1909. Designed by local architect Jules Leffland, the Classical Revival home features two-story front…
View on map ↗In 1882, Italian immigrant Fraschio ("Frank") N. Fossati (1852-1939) opened his first delicatesssen in Victoria at Juan Linn and Main streets. He had this building constructed in 1895 and moved the business to this…
View on map ↗…and 36 more Victoria markers. Find every one of them on the map in the RoadHistorical app.
RoadHistorical maps all 15,000+ Texas historical markers and alerts you as you pass them. Free to download.
Keep exploring