Czech Stop And Little Czech Bakery in West Texas

Photograph of the Czech Stop And Little Czech Bakery. Well known roadside stop for kolaches on Interstate 35 in West, TX.
Date: June 24, 2018
Creator: Hicks, William
System: The Portal to Texas History

Presidio La Bahia

Wide angle exterior of Presidio Nuestra Señora de Loreto de la Bahía in Goliad, TX.
Date: June 24, 2018
Creator: Hicks, William
System: The Portal to Texas History

Historical Marker: Last Battle of the Civil War

Photograph of a historical marker commemorating the last battle of the Civil War. The text reads: "At This Site -- The Last Battle of the Civil War, Known as Palmito Hill, was Fought by Confederate Troops Under Colonel John S. (Rip) Ford and Union Forces on May 13, 1865, 34 Days After Lee's Surrender at Appomatox -- Erected by the State of Texas -- 1936"
Date: June 24, 2018
Creator: Hicks, William
System: The Portal to Texas History

Historical Marker: Battle of Palmito Ranch

Photograph of historical marker entitled: "Battle of Palmito Ranch." Text reads: "The last land engagement of the Civil War was fought near this site on May 12-13, 1865, thirty-four days after Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Col. Theodore H. Barrett commanded Federal troops on Brazos Island 12 miles to the east. The Confederates occupied Fort Brown 12 miles to the west, commanded by Gen. James E. Slaughter and Col. John S. (Rip) Ford, whose troops had captured Fort Brown from the Federals in 1864. Ordered to recapture the fort, Lt. Col. David Branson and 300 men advanced from Brazos Island. They won a skirmish with Confederate pickets on May 12. Barrett reinforced Branson's troops with 200 men on May 13 and renewed the march to Fort Brown. Confederate cavalry held the Federals in check until Ford arrived with reinforcements that afternoon. Ford's artillery advanced and fired on the northern end of the Federal line while the cavalry charged. The Confederate right charged the southern end of the Federal line and captured part of the Union infantry. Barrett ordered a retreat toward the U.S. position on Brazos Island. While the Confederates reported no fatalities in the Battle of Palmito Ranch, …
Date: June 24, 2018
Creator: Hicks, William
System: The Portal to Texas History

Historical Marker: Site of Camp Belknap

Photograph of Historical Marker entitled: "Site of Camp Belknap." Text reads: "In May 1846 when war was declared against Mexico, the U.S. Congress authorized the raising of 50,000 volunteer troops to supplement the regular U.S. Army. General Zachary Taylor was quickly inundated with volunteer soldiers arriving at Brazos Santiago, and was forced to place them in temporary encampments. Camp Belknap, located on this site, was established in the summer of 1846. The camp was located on a long narrow rise of land, measuring about 2 miles in length and one-half mile at its widest point. It was the first high ground encountered after leaving the Gulf Coast. Thought to be the largest encampment for volunteer soldiers, troop estimates total 7,000-8,000 men including several regiments from eight states. Soldiers suffered exposure to the elements, unsanitary living conditions, overcrowding, biting insects, thorny plants, and disease. Many died a premature death, often resulting in one two two funerals daily. No enemy attacks took place despite one false alarm. During August and September most of the volunteers were moved upriver either to camps nearer Matamoros, or further to Camargo. The camp was completely empty by December 1846." Marker is dated 1996 in the lower-right …
Date: June 24, 2018
Creator: Hicks, William
System: The Portal to Texas History

Point Isabel Coast Guard Building on South Padre Island

Southward facing photograph of the 1923 Point Isabel Coast Guard Building located on South Padre Island. A small historical marker on the opposite side reads: "The Federal Government has operated a coastal installation at Point Isabel since 1852. This structure is the third permanent building erected here, one of a line of nine stations established along the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to the Texas-Mexico border. Originally consisting of a main floor, attic, and lookout tower, all elevated off the ground on wood and concrete pilings, the structure served as barracks and headquarters for the U.S. Coast Guard unit that patrolled the coastline and conducted sea rescues. (1988)"
Date: June 24, 2018
Creator: Hicks, William
System: The Portal to Texas History