Polish Settlers of White Deer

In 1854, 100 Polish families (800 persons) came to America in one small sailing ship--a voyage of 9 weeks. None spoke English. From Galveston they walked 200 miles to Panna Maria in South Texas, arriving for Christmas Eve Mass. There they toiled at manual labor. In 1909, in response to White Deer Land Co. offers, they migrated here. Later the colony had additions from Washington State, Nebraska, Wisconsin. Their first Catholic church, completed May 13, 1913, was on this site. Today their descendants include some of the most outstanding citizens of Texas.

Polish Settlers of White Deer is a historical marker in White Deer, Carson County, dedicated in 1966. It is one of 42 historical markers documented in Carson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 46 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 35.4397, -101.1765 near White Deer. The nearest cataloged historic site is Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery (cemetery), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Jackson General Store, White Deer, and Hotel at White Deer.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5065004064. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.