Byrd Lockhart first set foot in what was to become Caldwell
County in the 1800's. Lockhart was an assistant surveyor
to Green DeWitt who made his living setting boundaries
throughout Central Texas. At his own expense, Lockhart
built roads, and as recompense asked for land along Plum
Creek. Although Lockhart lived in Gonzales, he farmed
the land he was given, opening it up for other settlers.
Originally a part of Gonzales County, the lack of decent
roads and distance to the county seat inspired the settlers
to create a separate county in 1848. The county was
named for Captain Matthew Caldwell, a skilled scout
and leader of a company of rangers who fought in the
Battle of Plum Creek and later against Mexico.
A severe drought prior to the Civil War set back many
farmers returning from the War. But, where crops could
not grow, cattle could graze. The first herd to take
the famous Chisholm Trail to Kansas was owned by Lockhart's
J.J. Myers, and soon Lockhart became a major northward
converging point for the Chisholm Trail.
Later, Caldwell County soil was found to be hospitable
to cotton. After years of experimentation, Lockhart's
A.D. Mebane developed a particularly hardy strain of
cotton that continues to set a worldwide standard.
Oil and Texas are synonymous and Lockhart
had its days as a boom town with the discovery and development
of oil fields in the 1920's. Shallow field exploration
continues in Caldwell County, with a major field surrounding
Luling.
The coming of railroads and automobiles
changed the face of Lockhart, as for all of America.
The Sunset rail route reached Luling in 1874, and the
Missouri, Kansas, Texas arrived in Lockhart in 1885.
The first automobile in Lockhart was hand built by Lockhart
blacksmith Emil Seeliger. The total cost of the contraption,
including the $60 worth of tubeless tires, was $125.
He took the car for its first drive in 1904, attaining
the speed of 15 miles per hour.
The story of historic Lockhart is an
ongoing tale of human endeavor, proudly nurtured by
her citizens. Lockhart warmly invites you to sample
its unique brand of small town hospitality. Step back
into the past as you tour beautifully preserved buildings
and homes and browse the antique shops. Stay for lunch
or dinner. Sample the best barbecue in the world. Come
to Lockhart!
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