The story of Cologne is one of the most fascinating in Goliad County history The town was founded by free slaves after the Civil War. In the years of turmoil and violence after the war, they bought land and built their own community in order to protect themselves and their families and to make possible a good life in a violent, segregated world.
Founded in 1877, their community was a great success, with an agricultural and railroad base and with churches, a school, post office, railroad station, store and a strong sense of community. Their railroad station was notable as probably the only unsegregated railroad waiting room in the state of Texas. The all-black community lived for over a century in peace with their white neighbors.
The town of Cologne declined after World War II, as better highways and cars made it easier to shop and work at nearby towns. The community’s children became educated and moved on to better jobs in a bigger world. Today, all that remains is a highway sign on Highway 59, a well-kept cemetery and a number of homes, many occupied by descendants of the original settlers.
The uniqueness of Cologne was recognized by the Texas State Historical Commission which funded the historical marker in a statewide competition for markers for under-represented aspects of Texas history.
The historical marker will be dedicated by the Goliad County Historical Commission. It will be presented by Texas Historical Commission’s head of the historical marker program, Robert Brinkman. There will be a response on behalf of the Cologne descendants by Dennison Lott. The Minnehulla Angelic Choir will sing at the ceremony. After the brief dedication ceremony there will be a reception at the home of James Clifton, across Highway 59 from the Cemetery.
The Cologne Cemetery is located just off Highway 59 in Cologne. It is approximately halfway between Victoria and Goliad. When you see the TxDOT “Cologne” sign, turn immediately onto Lott Road (on the north side of Highway 59). There is limited parking, but a neighbor has given permission to park on his property, so look for the parking signs. It will be a brief ceremony, so there will be no seating. If you need a chair, please bring your own folding chair. For additional information, call Raymond Starr at 361-645-8441 or email at raymondstarr@sbcglobal.net.
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