Historical Marker

Saint Anthony's Cathedral

Historical marker location:
700 Jefferson Street, Beaumont, Texas
Marker installed: 1980
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Traveling priests visited this area as early as the 1850s, conducting Catholic services outdoors, in homes, and later in the town Temperance Hall. The first church building was constructed in 1881 under the leadership of the Rev. V. Quinon. Located on the corner of Bowie and Orleans streets, the small wooden structure was dedicated as St. Louis Church.

The building was moved to this location in 1894. One year later a school was started here by Mother Pauline and sister Augustine of the Dominican Order. Classes were held in the church rectory until 1896, when a separate schoolhouse was constructed nearby.

As the population increased during the Beaumont oil boom of the early 1900s, parishioners began planning for construction of a new church building. Started in 1903, this Italian Renaissance revival structure was completed four years later and named in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua. It features a copper dome and an ornate marble altar.

Additional buildings, including the convent and rectory, were constructed during the 35-year pastorate of Monsignor E. A. Kelly, 1919-54). Pope Paul VI created the Beaumont Diocese in 1966, and Saint Anthony's was designated a cathedral.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

ecclesiastical buildings churches Roman Catholic denomination
Students in Texas know the Alamo, but not the Alamo in American history. It's all about the Alamo as a place of Texas history
Diane Ravitch in Interview with Texas Public Radio
Jefferson County, Texas, has a rich history that spans back several centuries. It is home to the indigenous tribes who had lived in the area for thousands of years before the arrival of European settlers. In the early 16th century, Spanish explorers reached the area and claimed it as part of New Spain. However, it was not until the early 19th century that the region began to see significant settlement.

In the early 1820s, Empresario Joseph Vehlein obtained a contract to settle 300 families in the region. The land, once inhabited by the Atakapa people, soon attracted settlers of various origins, including Americans, Europeans, and enslaved Africans. The area became known for its fertile soil, offering ideal conditions for agriculture and ranching.

The city of Beaumont was established in the mid-19th century and quickly developed into a major trading and shipping center due to its access to the Neches River and the Gulf of Mexico. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 marked a turning point in the county's history, as the region experienced a significant oil boom. This brought great prosperity and transformed the area's economy, leading to the development of the petrochemical industry in the following decades.

Throughout the 20th century, Jefferson County witnessed various social and economic changes. It played a key role in World War II, serving as the location for significant military activity, including the establishment of one of the largest military shipbuilding centers in the country. The county also experienced desegregation struggles during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, which eventually led to greater equality.

Today, Jefferson County continues to be an important industrial center for petrochemicals and petroleum-related industries. It is also home to a diverse population and offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jefferson County, Texas.

  • 1836: Jefferson County is established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838: The town of Beaumont is founded.
  • 1840: Jefferson County becomes part of the newly-formed State of Texas.
  • 1845: Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jefferson County becomes a county within the state.
  • 1858: A railroad is completed, connecting Beaumont to surrounding areas.
  • 1865: The Civil War ends, and Jefferson County begins to recover from the war's impact.
  • 1881: The Spindletop oil field, the first major oil discovery in Texas, is found in Jefferson County.
  • 1901: The Lucas Gusher at Spindletop oil field erupts, launching the Texas oil boom.
  • 1925: The Neches River is first navigable by deep-draft vessels, boosting the county's shipping industry.
  • 1943: The Port of Beaumont is established as a major center for the shipping and petrochemical industries.
  • 1989: Hurricane Gilbert strikes Jefferson County, causing significant damage to the area.
  • 2005: Hurricane Rita makes landfall in Jefferson County, leading to widespread devastation.
  • 2017: Hurricane Harvey causes widespread flooding in Jefferson County.