Shady Grove Community
Bertram, Burnet County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In the 1850s and 60s families settled on this farm and ranch land along the Middle Gabriel river. The Old Austin-Lampasas and Burnet-Belton roads intersected here. Six acres deeded by Alexander M. Barton in 1877 later became the site of a schoolhouse, church and cemetery. At first the community was called "Russell Gabriel". The Cumberland Presbyterian Church organized and met in the school building in 1878. Soon the name changed to "Grove" because the schoolhouse was located in a grove of live oak trees. The settlement boasted a cotton gin and corn mill, a general store and blacksmith shop, a doctor and a Masonic Lodge. In 1882 the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist congregations built a Union Arbor for camp meetings and revivals. For a few months in 1902 there was a post office. Since there was another Shady Grove in Texas, the name "Tamega" was used. A general store by that name operated here for 50 years. The Presbyterian fellowship erected this church structure first and then in 1905 built this tabernacle. The school consolidated with Bertram in 1942. When the Presbyterian congregation merged with Bertram in 1966, this property became a community center and homecoming site. (1979)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the 1850s and 60s families put down roots along the Middle Gabriel River, where the Austin-Lampasas and Burnet-Belton roads crossed. On land deeded in 1877 a schoolhouse, church, and cemetery took shape, and the growing settlement — known at various times as Russell Gabriel, Grove, and Tamega — gained a cotton gin, corn mill, store, blacksmith, doctor, and Masonic lodge. Its school consolidated with Bertram in 1942, and the church property became a community gathering place.
Why it matters
The rise and slow fading of Shady Grove typifies the hundreds of small crossroads farming communities that once threaded rural Texas, sustained by church, school, and lodge before roads and consolidation drew life toward larger towns.
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Related people
- · Alexander M. Barton
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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