Shelby (1974)

Named for 1822 settler David Shelby, this town grew up at the mill of German pioneer Otto Von Roeder. The Ohlendorfs, Vogelsangs, Rothermels, and Vanderwerths arrived in 1845; other Germans came in ensuing years. The post office opened 1846 with Shelby as postmaster. A school (1854), an agricultural society, a singing society and a band were started. Mission work, begun in 1876, led to founding of Peace Lutheran and St. Paul Lutheran churches. By 1900 there were at least a dozen businesses here. Decline of farming led residents to live on ancestral land and work in cities. (1974)

Shelby is a historical marker in Shelby, Austin County, dedicated in 1974. It is one of 83 historical markers documented in Austin County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 273 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.0036, -96.5931 near Shelby. The nearest cataloged historic site is Henniger Family Cemetery (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include St. Paul Lutheran Church, Shelby, and Fissler.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5015004669. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.