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Historical
Marker:
City of Giddings
County seat of
Lee County. Named
for Jabez D. Giddings (1814-78), of Washington
County, one of four brothers from Pennsylvania who were Texas
transportation pioneers and business leaders. The town was established
as a shipping point when Houston & Texas Central Railroad (in which
J. D. Giddings was a stockholder) reached here in 1871. A second and
third railroad (San Antonio & Aransas Pass, 1889, and Hearne & Brazos
Valley, 1913) increased city's prestige. Commission form government
was adopted in 1913. A diversified economy developed.
1971 |
Giddings street
scene in the 1920s
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/ |
Giddings, Texas
Landmarks & Attractions
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Home
of a J. Riely
Gordon Courthouse, this town is often overlooked because
of its location. The long main street (Highway 290) demands a driver's
attention, but one block North or South provides a respite from the
Austin-Houston traffic and allows a leisurely exploration.
Several renovations of historic properties are underway, and plans
are in place to completely rebuild a replica of the old passenger
station that will house the Historic Museum.
Post Office Mural
- "Cowboys Receiving the Mail" by Otis Dozier circa 1939.
This is one of the better murals ... more
The cemetery just west of town contains the grave of outlaw Bill
Longely. A phamplet on Mr. Longely, his victims, his capture,
and hanging is available at the Chamber of Commerce.
Having a highway run the length (and then some) of your town, isn't
always a good thing. In Giddings' case, many of the residences that
were there when the highway was widened have been put to other uses.
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| Photo
courtesy of Mike McCann |
Giddings' church
on the square
TE photo, April 2003
More Texas Churches
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One of Giddings'
vintage depot
TE photo, October 2007 |
Giddings' vintage
freight depot
TE photo, August 2007
More Texas
Depots |
Caboose in Giddings
TE photo, October 2007 |
Bank as depot
TE photo, August 2007 |
Giddings Texas
Peanut Warehouse
TE photo, 2002 |
Giddings scene
TE photo, 2004 |
Giddings Peanut
Warehouse
TE photo, 2002 |
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A
ghost sign
reappears in Giddings |
Giddings Area
Events
Lee County
is also the home to The
Texas Wendish
Heritage Museum in nearby historic Serbin.
409-366-2441. Look for the signs south and west of town. The
Wendish Church is the site for the Annual Wendish Fest held
the last Sunday in September, but visit anytime for a scenic
and tranquil drive. The adjoining cemetery contains some unusual
names and the geometric trimming of the Cedar trees makes this cemetery
unique.
Other area events include
Home Tours
by the Lee County Heritage Society in Spring, and
Gebertstag
Gallop, the largest Mountain Bike Race in Texas,
in October in nearby Warda.
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Teds Sweet Shop
in the 1950s
Postcard courtesy www.rootsweb.com/ %7Etxpstcrd/ |
Gidding Texas
Forum
I was looking
for pictures of Dime
Box Texas and found your website. I enjoyed your story and agree
on the chickens. In 1981 I worked on the remodeling of the cafe
in your picture. I was employed by Dime Box Lumber as a carpenter.
Probably the first "YANKEE" they ever hired. Maybe the last! The
pay was 1/2 of what Houston jobs paid. I always thought that was
why it was called Dime Box. Your story clarified that.
I will always cherish the time I spent there and in nearby Giddings.
Someday I hope to visit the area and enjoy the stillness it has
to offer. My heart goes out to all the wonderful people whom I worked
with at the former Lee Memorial Hospital in Giddings.- Sincerely
Yours, Richard Benton, March 19, 2005
Giddings Tourists Information
The Giddings Area Chamber of Commerce
979-542-3455
171 E. Hempstead, Giddings, TX 78942.
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| 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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