Texas Baptist Encampment Grounds
Palacios, Matagorda County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Selected in 1906 by the Texas Baptist convention as the site for a permanent encampment grounds, this coastal area was the scene of many inspirational camp meetings typical of Texas and the entire south in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In those days thousands of families would come by wagon, surrey, buggy, but primarily by train to spend weeks or longer at the grounds. Religious activities and the opportunity for relaxation and social life made the days pass pleasantly. The campers enjoyed fishing, swimming, and boat rides on the bay. On opening day of the first camp meeting here (held July 3-12, 1906) gate keepers had to use buckets to collect the $1 admission fees -- typically paid in silver dollars. Campers stayed in the varied quarters provided and cooked their meals out of doors. Over the years, many outstanding baptist ministers spoke at the meetings. Among these were John L. Hill and George W. Truett. Prominent leaders included J.F. Barnett, R.H. Coleman, T.C. Gardner, and Bob Jolly. The first permanent auditorium was moved from La Porte (site of earlier encampments). It was replaced by a memorial auditorium, 1923. The present building was erected after the hurricane of 1942. (1968)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1906 the Texas Baptist convention chose this breezy stretch of Matagorda Bay for a permanent encampment, and thousands of families streamed in by train, wagon, and surrey to spend weeks at summer camp meetings. Between sermons by noted preachers like George W. Truett, campers fished, swam, and took boat rides, cooking their meals outdoors. Gatekeepers at the first meeting reportedly collected the dollar admission in bucketfuls of silver coins.
Why it matters
The grounds preserve the great camp-meeting tradition that shaped Southern religious and social life at the turn of the twentieth century.
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Related people
- · George W. Truett
- · John L. Hill
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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