Butler Soldiers' Homes, C.S.A.

Commissioners courts in Texas usually furnished to soldiers enlisting in the Civil War their uniforms, guns, blankets-- and sometimes even their horses. The county courts also aided dependents, war orphans and widows. Further, they recognized local people who had "soldiers' homes," and reimbursed them for meals given men en route to and from the army on furloughs and special missions. Freestone County had at least 11 soldiers' homes. Near this site, one of 2 in Butler was run by Hillary Manning, a plantation owner. A soldiers' home usually was set up as an act of neighborliness. The Rev. Thomas Castleton, who lived near Houston, organized many homes. Also he commended the people of Butler, Fairfield, Goliad and Hillsboro for setting up soldiers' homes of their own accord. At Christmas in 1864, Rev. Castleton received for the benefit of the soldiers donations of 4100 in gold, 3 beef animals and 2 milk cows, gifts of private citizens supporting the work. He also was given a 3-story brick hotel to be used as a soldiers' home. Other soldiers' homes were at Columbus, Crockett, Palestine and Richmond (Fort Bend County) like many other productive activities carried on voluntarily. These homes showed the concern of Texas for her men.

Butler Soldiers' Homes, C.S.A. is a historical marker in Butler, Freestone County, dedicated in 1965. It is one of 57 historical markers documented in Freestone County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 145 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.6702, -95.9274 near Butler. The nearest cataloged historic site is Pine Top Cemetery (cemetery), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Mayes-Mayer, Lone Star, and Gorman-Shiloh.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5161009863. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.