Butler Soldiers' Homes, C.S.A.
Butler, Freestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Commissioners courts in Texas usually furnished to soldiers enlisting in the Civil War their uniforms, guns, blankets-- and sometimes even their horses. The county courts also aided dependents, war orphans and widows. Further, they recognized local people who had "soldiers' homes," and reimbursed them for meals given men en route to and from the army on furloughs and special missions. Freestone County had at least 11 soldiers' homes. Near this site, one of 2 in Butler was run by Hillary Manning, a plantation owner. A soldiers' home usually was set up as an act of neighborliness. The Rev. Thomas Castleton, who lived near Houston, organized many homes. Also he commended the people of Butler, Fairfield, Goliad and Hillsboro for setting up soldiers' homes of their own accord. At Christmas in 1864, Rev. Castleton received for the benefit of the soldiers donations of 4100 in gold, 3 beef animals and 2 milk cows, gifts of private citizens supporting the work. He also was given a 3-story brick hotel to be used as a soldiers' home. Other soldiers' homes were at Columbus, Crockett, Palestine and Richmond (Fort Bend County) like many other productive activities carried on voluntarily. These homes showed the concern of Texas for her men.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
During the Civil War, Texas county courts outfitted their enlisting soldiers and aided the orphans and widows left behind. They also recognized private 'soldiers' homes'—households that fed men traveling to and from the army—reimbursing them for meals. Freestone County had at least eleven such homes, including one near this site run by plantation owner Hillary Manning, and the Rev. Thomas Castleton organized many more across the region, gathering donations of gold, cattle, and even a hotel to support the work.
Why it matters
These volunteer 'soldiers' homes' reveal the Confederate home front's grassroots support network, showing how ordinary Texans sustained the war effort far from the battlefields.
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Related people
- · Hillary Manning
- · Thomas Castleton
Themes & tags
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