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Hopkinsville
Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Sarah
Reveley, 2009 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Established in 1852, the community was named to honor Dennis S. Hopkins,
town founder. A post office opened the following year. Essential businesses
opened as well as churches and school. Thomas Zumwalt deeded land
to be used for a union church, Masonic lodge and school.
The town was bypassed by the railroad (the Galveston, Harrisburg and
San Antonio Railroad) and Waelder
was established in 1874. Hopkinsville businesses made the move to
Waelder and the post office shut its
doors in 1876.
By 1900 Hopkinsville was on its way to becoming a ghost town – with
cabins deserted and the more substantial homes moved to Waelder.
By the second half of the 20th Century Hopkinsville was nothing but
a cemetery and a few foundations. Today all that’s left is the marker
shown here. |
Site
of Hopkinsville Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Sarah
Reveley, 2009 |
Historical Marker:
Site of Hopkinsville
Once a thriving
pioneer community founded by D.S. Hopkins (1819-1917), farmer who
settled here in 1852.
Located in farm-ranch area. Herds started here, bound for Chisholm
Trail.
Abandoned 1873 when the citizens moved south and founded town of Waelder
on newly build railroad. |
Gonzales
County 1907 postal map showing Waelder,
Gonzales the county
seat, and the Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad
From Texas state map #2090
Courtesy
Texas General Land Office |
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. |
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