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History in
a Pecan Shell
Wheelock
has a fascinating history for such an out-of-the-way place. In the
1840s in Texas Wheelock was one of the places to see and be seen.
It had been nominated to be the Capital of Texas, and it had
enough influential people there to make that a reality. It had also
been a consideration to be the home for the University of Texas.
Had that happened, the place would certainly have a very different
appearance today.
Eleazer Louis Ripley Wheelock, was famous for more than just
having a long name. His grandfather had founded Dartmouth College.
When Eleazer came to the area - about 1826, he was immediately impressed
with the beauty of the place - and that hasn't changed. He was a friend
to the County's namesake - Sterling Robertson. Mr. Wheelock
died in Illinois, while paying a visit to the place of his birth.
Eleazer built a blockhouse for protection from the Indians around
the time of Independence. The blockhouse necessitated a name. He had
wanted it named after Mirabeau
Lamar, Vice-President of the Republic, but others suggested Wheelock.
It wasn't named after Eleazer, however, but Wheelock, Vermont
(a town that was named after his Grandfather). That seemed to satisfy
everyone.
Being on the main mail routes and stagecoach lines seemed to promise
great things for Wheelock and it was indeed made county seat in 1850.
But three important events reduced its prominence. Firstly, Owensville
(another town you don't hear much about anymore) became county seat.
Then the town suffered economically as a result of human and economic
losses brought about by the Civil War. Thirdly and more importantly,
it was bypassed by the railroad after the war was over. |
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Wheelock
Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2008 |
Historical Marker:
Wheelock
Eleazar Louis Ripley
Wheelock (1793-1847) came to Texas from Illinois in 1830. A surveyor
for Robertson's colony, he established a town on his land along the
Old San Antonio Road. Named Wheelock in 1837, the town boasted
twenty businesses by the 1840s, including general stores, land and
freight offices, and a cotton gin. By 1845 Wheelock was a transportation
hub in Central Texas. A post office was established in 1846, and the
town was Robertson
County Seat from 1850 to 1856. Bypassed by the railroad in the
1860s, Wheelock declined; many of its citizens moved to Hearne.
(1997) |
Wheelock
Historical Marker view
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2008 |
Wheelock
Centennial Marker
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2008 |
1936 Texas Centennial
Marker:
Wheelock
Founded in 1833
by Colonel E. L. R. Wheelock, soldier, lawyer and educator. One of
the organizers of Robertson's colony. Captain of Texas Rangers. Died
in Edwardsville, Ill, in 1846 while visiting the place of his birth. |
Wheelock
Centennial Marker text
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2008 |
Wheelock
Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, December 2008 |
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The cemetery is worthy of a visit and two inscribed
stones (by the side entrance) show that the tidiness of the cemetery
is a result of the efforts of three Wheelock citizens.
A scene in the Wheelock Cemetery
TE photo, 2001 |
Historical Marker:
Old Cavitt
House
Republic
of Texas homestead established when log cabin was built, 1836.
Main house of hand finished lumber, begun in 1842, completed in present
form 1854. During 1840s and 1850s was stage stop between Nacogdoches
and San Antonio de Bexar.
Cavitts were political followers of Sam
Houston, friend and frequent guest here, who gave a desk to Volney
Cavitt.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1964 |
Wheelock Today,
and FM391
Today, Wheelock
has a well-kept post office complete with healthy rosebushes and the
drive between Wheelock and Hearne
on FM 391 is one of the most scenic and peaceful in
this part of Texas.
A building behind a hedgerow appears to have been the Wheelock Masonic
Lodge. |
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A scene between Wheelock and Hearne
TE photo, 2001 |
Wheelock, Texas
Forum
Subject: Wheelock
Texas
For years, my wife and I passed through Wheelock on our way to Franklin
and Hwy 79 from Bryan and
Benchly as well. Travelling down 391 towards Hearne
[was] just as you expressed, the scenery and rolling hills on FM 391
can be very beautiful at certain times of the year. We just admired
the drive and wished (dreamed) we could own some land like that someday.
Then one day recently, my wife and I answered an ad for property for
sale. As it turned out, it was at Wheelock just North of the cemetery
about a mile off FM 391. When the owner gave us a tour of the 100+
acres, we fell in love with it for the sizes of the cedars and other
trees. In general the landscape itself, since we do trailriding horseback.
This would offer a place to ride nearby without having to travel too
far. We made an offer on the entire acerage, it was accepted and we
now ride, cookout (over a campfire) and enjoy the peacefulness, the
stars at night and the tranquility as we ride through the cedars,
yaupon and towering oaks, through the creeks and up and down the creek
bank.
It was interesting reading the brief history you gave of Wheelock.
We somehow from somewhere already were aware that Wheelock actually
narrowly escaped being the capital of Texas, something we are thankful
for. We would love to learn more history of Wheelock and some of the
earlier families. One day, we plan to live there and hope that progress
and rural expansion doesn't overtake the serenity of the town and
area before we get there. Thanks for the write up, "John" and Cindy
Allen, August 27, 2006 |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
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