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The
Chapel at Lamar
Photo Courtesy Ken
Rudine, May 2004 |
Population
1,600 (1990)
Today the former town of Lamar is remembered by its cemetery (across
from the Lamar Volunteer Fire Department building). Although technically
the "town" is more populated than ever, many of the houses are weekend
residences and the town lacks a traditional center. |
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A
view looking out toward the road
Photo Courtesy Ken
Rudine |
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The
grave of Lydia Ann Hull Wells and James Babbage Wells, Sr., parents
of Jim Wells, Jr., lawyer for the King Ranch Interests and namesake
of Jim Wells County
Photo Courtesy Ken
Rudine |
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History
in a Pecan Shell
Founded in 1839, Lamar was a rival to the then thriving Aransas
City, Texas which was just across Copano Bay at Lookout Point. Aransas
City had the customhouse which guaranteed prosperity. Lamar became
the first coastal town in (what was then) Refugio County.
The President of the Republic was petitioned by a group of settlers
to move the customhouse from Aransas City. Their forceful argument
that the new town was twice the population of Aransas City convinced
the President - who just happened to share the same name of the
town. The change was made and the worse fears of Aransas Citizens
became a reality. Aransas City virtually disappeared.
Lamar's star
rose and its prosperity surpassed that of its former rival - that
is until the town was destroyed by Union forces during the Civil
War. Only a few shellcrete foundations remained.
Lamar found itself in Aransas County when that county was established
in 1871.
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The
tombstone of Cattleman Patrick O'Conner
Photo Courtesy Ken
Rudine |
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A
view showing the unique bell tower
Photo Courtesy Ken
Rudine |
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The
1936 Centennial Marker for the Town of Lamar
Photo Courtesy Ken
Rudine |
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The cemetery,
said to be the oldest in the territory, remains relatively unchanged
and is one of the more picturesque coastal cemeteries in the state.
It has been designated a historical landmark.
A list of all interments has been made available through the Lamar
Cemetery Association. Authored by Mary Lou Brannon the information
is available at the Aransas County Public Library and at the cemetery
itself.
Rockport
Hotels > Book
Your Hotel Here & Save
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Lamar
Cemetery gate and tower
Photo Courtesy Ken
Rudine |
Lamar, Texas
Forum
Subject: Jim
Wells, Lamar County
You incorrectly noted that James B. Wells, whose gravestone is pictured
on the Lamar, TX page, was the namesake of Jim Wells County, TX and
an attorney who represented the King Ranch. It was, in fact, James
B. Wells, Jr., who represented the King Ranch and after whom the county
was named. The gravestones on the website are his parents', Lydia
Ann Hull Wells and James Babbage Wells, Sr. (my great-great grandparents).
Thanks, Brian P. Heard, Bee County, February 21, 2008 |
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