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The Historic Marker reads  . . . 

"Opened 1857 with burial of 3-year-old John Babcock, whose father Charles later gave tract to community. Other early burials were Civil War veteran John Haile and Col. C. C. Mason.  

Leander, founded 1882 when railroad bypassed Bagdad, shares use of this tract, enlarged in 1959 and 1966.

(1972)"

Bagdad Cemetery

Visit each of the 16 sites in Leander with a Texas Historical Marker and see the places history happened. 

The historical marker is located at the entrance to Blockhouse Creek Subdivision between the entrance and exit roads.The historical marker reads . . . "Built by Texas Rangers under Captain John J. Tumlinson in 1836. Destroyed by Indians in 1837. This was the first white man's post in Williamson County. (1936)"

Site of a Block House Historical Marker

The historical marker reads . . . 

"Leander grew from the once thriving town of Bagdad, founded in 1854 (1  mi. W). when the Austin & Northwestern Railroad bypassed Bagdad in  1882, a new town was surveyed and named for railroad official Leander  Brown (1817-89). Homes and businesses from the older community quickly  moved to the new site along the rail line.The post office was brought  here from Bagdad in 1882. The school started here in 1893 has grown into  the largest school district in Williamson County. Originally in a rural  area, Leander had boomed in recent years due to Highland Lakes  development.

(1975)"

Leander Historical Marker

The historical marker reads . . . 

"On Dec. 29, 1982, Texas Highway Department archeologists uncovered the  skeleton of a pre-historic human female at the Wilson-Leonard Brushy  Creek Site (approx. 6 mi. SE). Because of the proximity of the grave  site to the town of Leander, the skeleton became known as the  Leanderthal Lady. Carbon testing indicates the woman lived 10-13,000  years ago. She was about 30 years old at the time of death and measured  5' 3" in height. As one of the earliest intact burials uncovered in the  United States, the site is a valuable source of information on the  nation's prehistoric past.

(1985)"

Leanderthal Lady Historical Marker

The historical marker reads . . . 

"1 3/4 miles east to the graves of the victims of the Webster Massacre,  which occurred August 27, 1839 when John Webster and a party of about  thirty, en route to a land grant in Burnet County, were attacked by a  band of Comanche Indians. After attempting to flee under cover of  darkness, they were trapped on an open prairie. Mrs. Webster and her two  children were made prisoners, all the others were killed. In death they  rest together in one grave.  (1936)

(1936)"

Webster Massacre Historical Marker

This historical marker is inside the Davis Cemetery near the west tree/fence line. It will be to your left once you enter the driveway.The historical marker reads . . . "Here sleep the victims of the "Webster Massacre" of August 27, 1839. About thirty homeseekers headed by John Webster en route to what is now Burnet County, were attacked by a band of Comanche Indians. After attempting to flee under cover of darkness, they were trapped in this vicinity. Mrs. Webster and her two children were captured and later released. All the others were killed. Martha Webster then but three years old was later married to Marmaduke Strickland. (1936)"

Here Sleep the Victims of the "Webster Massacre" Historical Marker

The first Methodist Church in Bagdad, now Leander, was established in 1860 as the Methodist Episcopal, South. Services were held in a log schoolhouse just west of Bagdad Cemetery and later in the Masonic Lodge, also located in Bagdad. In 1879 the church constructed a new building in Bagdad. Leander was founded in 1882. Like many other residents and businesses the church decided to move from Bagdad to Leander. They moved the church building onto land given to the church by Sarah J. Walker in 1901 to its current location. In 1939 it became the Leander Methodist Church and in 1968 the Leander United Methodist Church.

The historical marker reads . . . "This church was organized about 1860 in the nearby community of Bagdad (1 mi. W). Early worship services were conducted by local preachers and missionaries in a log schoolhouse and a Masonic lodge hall before a sanctuary was constructed there in 1879. The church moved to Leander in 1901, following development of the railroad town. The Bagdad sanctuary was relocated at this site on land deeded by Sarah J. Walker. Many prominent area leaders have been members here, including several who later became ministers."

Leander United Methodist Church

The historical marker reads . . . 

"The origin of the Leander school system can be traded to the 1855 school  held in Bagdad, the pre-Civil War community that disappeared after  Leander was founded along the railroad. In 1893, a free public school  opened in the new community. business leaders organized a high school  association in 1899 to furnish support for the educational system.  Students began graduating from Leander High School in 1931. Over the  years, the schools have grown to accommodate increases in enrollment,  while providing a vital service to the community. 

(1986)"

Leander Schools Historical Marker

The Presbyterians have a long history in Leander. They were some of the first Anglo settles in the area, with many arriving before the creation of the county in 1848. Their first church was a log cabin in 1855. They formally organized into the Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church of Bagdad in 1857. Services were held on the lower floor of the Norton Moses Masonic Lodge in Bagdad for a time. This building was then constructed in the new town of Leander, founded in 1882, on land deeded to the church by Sarah J. Walker. The church sat without a steeple until 2008.

The historical marker reads . . . "Organized in 1857 by the Rev. R. M. Overstreet, this church was originally known as Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church and was located in the town of Bagdad. When the new railroad bypassed Bagdad in 1882 and the town of Leander was founded on the rail line, the church members voted to move their congregation to the new town. A church building was erected in 1884, on land belonging to church member Sarah J. Walker, who deeded the property to church trustees in 1895. Many descendants of early members remain active in the life of the church. (1986)"

Leander Presbyterian Church

This home is currently a private residence.The historical marker reads . . . "Master carpenter Andrew Porter Pickle (1833-1908) built this house for his family in 1871. It remained in the Pickle family until 1913, when it was sold to Augusta K. and Sarah Zora Mason Davis. Following their deaths, it remained in the family. The home consists of two structures under one roof. The rear part features shiplap siding and the front exhibits milled siding and a five-bay facade. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1988. (1988)"

Pickle Mason House

This is currently a private residence.The historical marker reads . . . "Built in fall of 1850, along with adjoining store and post office, all of native stone, by John Frederick Heinatz (1822-91), a settler from Germany. He was for many years postmaster of Bagdad, a public school trustee, superintendent of Sunday School, banker, and practical advisor to his neighbors. He married Emilie Krohn and had nine children, six boys and three girls, seven of whom lived to adulthood in this home. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1972. (1972)"

Heinatz Homestead

This home is currently a private residence.The historical marker for this site reads . . . "Local farmer Alpheus S. Mason (1839-1926) constructed this house about 1866. Situated on Bagdad Road, an important early military and commercial route in central Texas, the home features a double-galleried porch with Victorian detailing. Mason, a veteran of the Civil War, was instrumental in the early growth of Bagdad (now a ghost town) and Leander (3 mi. NE) through his leadership in church, business, Masonic, and political activities. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1983."

A.S. Mason House

The historical marker reads . . . 

"Organized in the Williamson County community of Bagdad, this Masonic  Lodge was chartered formally in 1871.  It was named for Norton Moses,  who participated in the group's formation.  A lodge building,  constructed in 1870, also served as a community meeting center and  public school.  In 1899 the Masons moved to the new railroad town of  Leander, where they actively supported the public schools and other  community activities.  Through its leadership, the lodge has been  instrumental in the development of western Williamson County. 

(1985)"

Norton Moses Lodge, No. 336 A.F. & A.M.

The farmstead is currently owned by the city of Leander and is in the process of being restored. You cannot get any closer than the gate at the roadside. The historical marker reads . . . "Antedating town of Leander, this place was a 3-day wagon distance from Austin. First two rooms were built (1872) by J. C. and Nancy Bryson, of rock from San Gabriel River and Jenks Branch; hewn cedar logs and shingles from Bastrop area. Had several additions, for family of eight children. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1970. (1970)"

Bryson Farmstead/Pioneer's House

This Texas Centennial Marker shows where Texas Rangers intercepted Mexican officials aligned with Native Americans (primarily Cherokee) to cause another Texas Revolution. The alliance was formed in an effort for Mexico to regain their territory and the Cherokee to obtain title to the land they had come to inhabit near Nacogdoches in northeast Texas.  In the late summer of 1838 Nacogdoches citizens uncovered a plot that came to be known as the Córdova Rebellion. Prior to Texas independence this area had been primarily inhabited by residents of Hispanic descent and Native Americans, mainly Cherokee, who had moved into the area from elsewhere. Once Texas became independent, citizens of the U.S. moved in and the previous residents were not happy. Republic of Texas President, Sam Houston, met with the Cherokee’s Principal Chief, Chief Bowl, and the two men came to an agreement. The Cherokee would receive title to their land between the Angelina and Sabine Rivers northwest of Old San Antonio Road in exchange for remaining neutral during the Texas Revolution. Once Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, the Texas Senate refused to ratify the treaty. This led the Cherokee to look for other ways to gain title to their land and into an alliance with the Mexican government. On May 15, 1839 a company of Texas Rangers led by Lt. James O. Rice (of Bagdad, now Leander) began following Manuel Flores, an emissary of the Mexican government, and a small group of men. Two days later the Rangers intercepted the Flores party near the banks of the North San Gabriel River where fighting ensued. Flores was killed and the rest of his party fled, leaving behind horses, mules, and baggage. Within Flores parties’ belongings was correspondence encouraging the Native Americans to harass the Texians and letters addressed to Vicente Córdova and Chief Bowl. While President Sam Houston believed Chief Bowl when he denied involvement with the Mexican Government, Vice President Lamar did not. This ultimately led to the removal of the Cherokee from Texas.

In May of 1839 Manuel Flores, a Mexican military officer and company, were in route to deliver arms and other supplies to local Native Americans, primarily the Cherokee. The plan was to aid them in harassing Texians in hopes of igniting another revolution in the state. A company of Texas Rangers under Lieutenant James O. Rice (of Bagdad) began following the Flores party on May 15 and intercepted them two days later near the banks of the North San Gabriel River where they engaged in battle. Flores was killed and among his belongings was found correspondence revealing the alliance between Mexico and Native Americans. 

Manuel Flores Texas Centennial Marker

The historical marker reads . . . 

"Loafer's Glory Apostolic Church was organized in 1908 after Wesleyan  Holiness preacher George Sutton conducted a revival at Loafer's Glory School on Wilson Atwood's farm. Beginning in 1909, evangelist Fred Lohmann served as minister and conducted tent revivals which drew  hundreds of people. A small frame sanctuary was erected about 1910 on  land donated by Jim Moore, who led the congregation until his death in  1917. Many ministers and missionaries originated from Loafer's Glory  Church, which continued services under several leaders until 1930.

(1994)"

Located across the road from 2330 CR 207.

Leander Historical Markers

Bagdad Cemetery

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