LOCKHART

Altitude 518

General

Originally called Plum Creek, town is near site of fierce Indian battle that took place Aug. 12, 1840. Large war party of Comanches successfully swept down Guadalupe Valley all the way to the Gulf Coast, killing settlers, stealing horses, plundering and burning settlements. A volunteer force of settlers and Texas Rangers met the returning war party and defeated them at what is called the Battle of Plum Creek. Present city named for Byrd Lockhart, pioneer surveyor. Town was southern terminus of Chisholm Trail in 1870s.

Today city is center for agriculture, farming, oil and other diversified industries. Battle of Plum Creek re-enacted annually in June during Chisholm Trail Roundup in City park.

CALDWELL COUNTY COURTHOUSE

CALDWELL COUNTY/JAIL MUSEUM-

DR. EUGENE CLARK LIBRARY

EMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH

LOCKHART STATE PARK

Attractions

• CALDWELL COUNTY COURTHOUSE-Stands in the middle of Lockhart's square built of Muldoon limestone with red Pecos sandstone trim; completed 1894. Affectionately said "ugly enough to be beautiful." Flamboyant design with cupolas, turrets and gewgaws typical of period; cost $65,000. History on historical marker.
• CALDWELL COUNTY/JAIL MUSEUM-Red brick structure represents rare example of Norman castellated architectural style. In former cells, county museum exhibits furniture from early settlers' homes, frontier kitchen and pioneer room. Also early farming implements. Open 1 - 5 p.m. Wed. - Sat. at 315 E. Market St.
• DR. EUGENE CLARK LIBRARY-Built for $6,000 in 1899, is oldest continuously used library in Texas. modeled after the Villa Rotunda in Vicenza, Italy. Of sightseeing interest are stained glass windows, ornate fixtures, and stage from which touring orators spoke, including President William H. Taft. Open Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - noon. 217 S. Main.
• EMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH-One of Texas' oldest Protestant churches, built 1856 of stone and wood, still in use as originally constructed with only minor alteration. Church and Walnut Sts.
• LOCKHART STATE PARK- 257 acres feature swimming, fishing picnicking 9-hole golf course, rustic recreation hall overlooking picturesque valley. Campsites, RV and trailer facilities. About four miles southwest of Lockhart via U.S. 183 and F.M. 20. Admission. 512/398-3479.