Lithuanians in Texas

Among the many European immigrants arriving in Texas in the mid-19th century was a small group of Lithuanians who settled in the Yorktown vicinity of DeWitt County. Due to their eventual assimilation with the numerous German immigrants in the area, the Lithuanians and their contributions to the history of this region were overlooked for generations. Records reveal that the first Lithuanian family to settle in this area probably was that of David and Dora (Scholze) Stanchos. They arrived about 1852, making them among the earliest documented Lithuanian immigrants to America. By 1874 they were joined by about 70 more immigrants, most from the province of Gumbinnen in what was then part of East Prussia. Leaving their homeland for a variety of religious and political reasons, the Lithuanians arrived in Texas primarily through the ports of Galveston and Indianola. Establishing farms in the area, the Lithuanians became American citizens and contributed to the history and culture of this area. Men from the community fought on both sides of the American Civil War. A small graveyard south of Yorktown known as Jonischkies Cemetery contains the interments of many of these early settlers. (1994)

Lithuanians in Texas is a historical marker in Yorktown, DeWitt County, dedicated in 1994. It is one of 90 historical markers documented in DeWitt County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 166 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 28.9298, -97.5002 near Yorktown. The nearest cataloged historic site is Smith Creek Cemetery (cemetery), about 0.9 miles away. Others within a short drive include Holy Cross Catholic Church, C. Eckhardt & Sons Building, and Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5123003095. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.