Mahomet-Sycamore Springs Community
Bertram, Burnet County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Settlement in this part of Burnet County began in the 1850s. Two early communities were Mahomet and Sycamore Springs, originally located 8 miles from each other. Pioneers of Mahomet were George Ater, William G. Hall, and Mr. Sanford, while Sycamore Springs was settled by the Smart, Stewart, and Williams families. Although Sycamore Springs once had 3 gins, a general store, a school, and 2 churches, little evidence of the community now remains. Much speculation has taken place over the years concerning the origin of the unusual name of the Mahomet settlement. Research now indicates that the town was probably named by first postmaster George Ater, who came to Texas from Mahomet, Illinois. both the original Mahomet Post Office and an Austin-Lampasas Stage stop were located at his home. The Mahomet Christian Church, moved from Sycamore Springs in 1899, continues to worship near this site. Mahomet is also the home of the Mt. Horeb Masonic Lodge, which was relocated from nearby Williamson County in 1915. The community burial ground (.5 mi. SW dates from the early 1850s. The history of these two related settlements is an important part of Burnet County's heritage.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Settlement of this part of Burnet County began in the 1850s with two neighboring communities, Mahomet and Sycamore Springs, some eight miles apart. Sycamore Springs once boasted gins, a store, and churches but has all but vanished, while Mahomet—likely named by its first postmaster for Mahomet, Illinois—hosted a post office and an Austin-Lampasas stage stop. Its Christian church and Masonic lodge still mark the site.
Why it matters
The paired settlements illustrate how frontier communities rose, competed, and sometimes disappeared, leaving behind the churches and lodges that outlasted the towns themselves.
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Related people
- · George Ater
- · William G. Hall
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Bertram
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