Crownover Chapel
Marble Falls, Burnet County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Backbone Valley's first public building, started 1859 on 7-acre tract donated that year by heirs of settler Jefferson Barton. Finished 1870, chapel was named for the Rev. Arter Crownover (1810-76), whose preaching of Methodist faith opened its use. Building soon also housed a school. The nearby cemetery was in use by 1872. A school room was added but later removed. Chapel now bears original appearance, and is used as church and community center. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1972
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Backbone Valley's first public building rose slowly between 1859 and 1870 on land donated by the heirs of settler Jefferson Barton, and was named for the Rev. Arter Crownover, whose Methodist preaching opened its doors. The chapel soon doubled as a school, and a cemetery came into use nearby by 1872. Restored to its original appearance, it still serves as a church and community center.
Why it matters
Frontier chapels like Crownover served as church, school, and gathering place all at once, forming the civic core of scattered rural settlements.
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Related people
- · Arter Crownover
- · Jefferson Barton
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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