First Store in Panna Maria
Panna Maria, Karnes County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built in 1855; used as a storeroom for landlord's share of Panna Maria crops. The landlord, John Twohig, a devout Catholic, set aside one room of store for the church and school. Owned and operated by the Snoga family since 1918. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1855, this stone storeroom stood at the heart of Panna Maria, the oldest permanent Polish settlement in America, founded the year before by immigrants from Upper Silesia. It held the landlord's share of the colony's crops, and its Catholic owner John Twohig set aside a room to serve as both church and school for the young community. The Snoga family has kept the building since 1918.
Why it matters
Panna Maria marks the beginning of Polish immigration to the United States, and this store shows how faith, farming, and schooling grew together in a frontier ethnic colony.
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Related people
- · John Twohig
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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