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Montgomery County Historical Commission " Home of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Resources Search Montgomery County Historical Commission Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry Foerester, Chairman 414 West Phillips St., Suite 100 Conroe, TX 77301 Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Youth Advisory Board Youth Advisory Board COUNTY-WIDE “YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD” One of the most important branches of the Montgomery County Historical Commission is its Youth Advisory Board (“YAB” for short). Composed of juniors and seniors representing public and private high schools in Montgomery County. The goal is to harness the “Youth Power” in our communities by forming a high school youth advisory board. The Historical Commission believes this is the first such county-wide youth organization of its kind in Texas. The Montgomery County Historical Commission is a duly constituted organization of Montgomery County government composed of citizen members appointed by the County Commissioners who serve for two-year terms. The Commission reports to the County Judge and the Commissioners Court and the Texas Historical Commission. The Commission works in various fields including archeology, architecture, history, economic development and heritage tourism for the purpose of preserving and promoting the rich history and heritage of Montgomery County—the third oldest county in Texas, created in 1837. The Youth Advisory Board has its own set of By-Laws along with a Mission Statement: To provide the youth of Montgomery County opportunities through volunteerism and service to have a positive effect on the preservation and promotion of the history and heritage of Texas and Montgomery County; to discover and circulate information that is important to the historical identity of Montgomery County; and to offer a forum by which youth in Montgomery County can voice their ideas and concerns. These energetic and creative young people—all personally selected by their school teachers and administrators—will individually and collectively: Be a voice for the youth of Montgomery County in our Historical Commission’s goals to make history relevant, interesting and fun for all ages Promote Historical Commission activities and events, such as the upcoming first annual History Road Rally and similar historical events around Montgomery County Generate fresh and fun ideas for projects that serve the Historical Commission and the citizens of Montgomery County Increase awareness of educational opportunities for Texas and Montgomery County history Be directly engaged in the preservation and promotion of the history of Montgomery County Promote the contributions of Montgomery County youth as service volunteers Help with the maintenance of the Historical Commission website and other social media that distribute information about Montgomery County’s historical sites and its rich heritage Have fun working with other Montgomery County youth along with respected County leaders For more information about this new organization, please contact Commission member and Board sponsor, Brenda Beaven at 936-499-3786 (cell) or email: brenda.n.beaven@gmail.com . Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Updates and News News of Montgomery County Historical Commission Billy Ray with Montgomery County News article of his Distinquished Service Award (Feb 28 2025) 1/7 Thomas Chapel Historic Montgomery Co. church built by freedmen in need of prayer and repair: 'It's irreplaceable' Read More Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Oil and Industry History Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission "Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Videos Videos Videos from around Montgomery County Highlighted Videos All Videos All Videos Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing DRONE HERITAGE MUSEUM MONTAGE 2025 01:25 Play Video Now Playing Maria Banos Jordan 30:58 Play Video Now Playing County Historical Commission and County Liaison Partnerships 47:24 Play Video The Eyes of Texas, no. 145, February 27, 1982 In this 1982 episode of The Eyes of Texas, producer Bill Springer meets a couple of grave hunters in Conroe. Producer Gary James visits the Studio 205 artists’ complex in Victoria, while host Ray Miller profiles two historic mansions in Belton and a miniature outhouse collector in Midland. Miller also shares the origins of the town of Manor. Produced by Houston’s KPRC-TV from 1969 to 1993, The Eyes of Texas was a regional television program highlighting unique people, places, and events across the state. This episode aired on February 27, 1982. Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church- Conroe (1970) This home movie captures scenes of the congregation of Mt. Horem Baptist Church traveling by bus to Conroe, Texas for what seems to be a joint service with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Children put on robes for a choir performance and a potluck dinner takes place. Cut and Shoot Fast Draw (1980) Broadcast on August 21, 1980, this episode of PM Magazine features profiles of quick-draw champions Diane and Bob Graham and economist Howard Ruff. PM Magazine Departments also offer gardening tips, a warning about refined sugar, and a recommendation for a local take-out restaurant. PM Magazine was a local news and entertainment television program broadcast on Beaumont's KFDM-TV in from late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Sam Houston Trail Ride & 1964 World's Fair This 1964 home movie first captures the Sam Houston Trail Ride, an all-horse parade that travels the trail roads from Montgomery into Houston to kick off the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world, now averaging over two million attendees annually. Later, the Rairigh family journeys to New York City for the 1964 World's Fair, where they see DuPont's "Wonderful World of Chemistry." The film concludes with the Rairighs back home in Beaumont to celebrate Christmas. Trail Ride in Montgomery (1958) This home movie, shot by former member of the Texas House of Representatives Harold H. "Hal" Coley, captures a trail ride in Conroe. Participants dressed in Western attire ride horses or atop covered wagons. Later, the Coley family tours their new lake house. Explosion Starts Oil Fire (1933) Conroe "Remarkable pictures of a burning gusher that shakes houses seven miles away when it ‘goes up' and which defies all attempts to quench its roaring flames." [From original Universal Newsreel content sheet.] This Universal Newsreel contains dramatic footage of an oil well fire near Conroe, Texas. Men approach the blaze behind protective shields and a crane pours dirt over the flames. Conroe, Texas, like many East Texas towns, enjoyed an oil boom in the 1930s. This newsreel is believed to depict the Conroe well fires of 1933. Two wells a mile apart, the Standard of Kansas No. 1 Madeley and the Southland Oil No. 2 Cummings, both burst into flame the morning of January 12th. The Madeley was particularly difficult to get under control, with nitroglycerine blasts and dirt fill proving unsuccessful. The well cratered, swallowing the derrick and other nearby rigs, resulting in huge damages. After drilling many relief wells, the fires were eventually brought under control, but had created a large oil-filled "crater well" in the Conroe oilfield. Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Links and Activities of the Montgomery County Historical Commission in Texas. Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Links in Montgomery County Texas Historical Commission … www.thc.state.tx.us Texas Historical Commission Site Atlas … http://atlas.thc.state.tx.us/ Montgomery County Library … www.countylibrary.org MC County Cemeteries … http://www.countygenweb.com/txmontgomery/cemeteries.htm Heritage Museums … http://www.heritagemuseum.us/ MCG&HS … http://mcgandhs.com/ Magnolia Historical Society … http://www.magnoliatxhistoricalsociety.com/ East Montgomery Co Historical Society Montgomery Historical Society … http://www.montgomerytexas.com/history Walker County Historic Comm … www.walkercountyhistory.org Harris Country Historical Comm … www.historicalcommission.hctx.net Town of Montgomery … www.montgomerytexas.gov History Task Force ... https://www.historytaskforce.org/#/ Links and Activities Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Historical Commission Events Event Calendar Montgomery County Texas Historical Timeline Vol. I & II Book Signing Events with Larry Foerster 2024 Lineup Softbound $35 Hardbound $50 The two-volume updated second edition of my Montgomery County Texas Historical Timeline has now arrived from the printer and will be available for sale. This expands my first edition published in 2013 from 239 pages to 500 pages in two volumes. Cover photos taken by professional photographer, David Clements, are of “The Texian” statue, created by noted local sculptor Craig Campobella. The statue is the centerpiece of the Lone Star Monument and Historic Flag Park in Conroe. This is a Montgomery County Historical Commission project with the support of County Judge Mark Keough and County Commissioners Robert Walker, Charlie Riley, James Noack, and Matt Gray. Volumes will soon be available at all County libraries. Volume I covers the years 1500 through 1918. Volume II covers the years 1919 through 2021. Each softbound volume is full of historic photos, maps, and other historic items that make reading our County’s history more interesting. Softbound Volumes I and II retail for $35 each. All proceeds are used to promote and preserve the history of Montgomery County. Checks can be made payable to the Montgomery County Historical Commission. Jan 20, 2024 2-5pm Corner Pub Conroe Feb 17, 2024 1-4pm Lamar Elem. The Woodlands Mar 23, 2024 1-3pm Heritage Museum Conroe Spring 2024 Gallery Road Rally Gallery Flyers and Events Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Montgomery County History Bessie Owen Collection Visit Places Visit People Visit Events Visit Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Historical Markers in Montgomery County Arnold-Simonton House National Register Listing — 2079002996 Baker Cemetery Historical Marker — 5507015802 Cemetery — 7339001705 Bay's Chapel Cemetery Historical Marker — 5507015829 Cemetery — 7339006205 Bay's Chapel Methodist Church Historical Marker — 5339007864 Beeson Cemetery Cemetery — 7339006805 Bennett's Early Homesite Historical Marker — 5507015369 Bethel Cemetery Cemetery — 7339004105 Boeykn Cemetery Cemetery — 7339006405 Calvary Road-Lakeview-Plainview Cemetery Cemetery — 7339008105 Campbell Cemetery — 7339015405 Cartwright Cemetery Cemetery — 7339004805 Cartwright-Mt. Zion Cemetery — 7339015105 Cathalorri Historical Marker — 5339007866 Charles Bellinger Stewart Historical Marker — 5339007903 Chilton-Dean House Historical Marker-5000023640 Collier-Moore Cemetery Cemetery — 7339004605 Conroe Historical Marker — 5339007867 Conroe Community Cemetery Cemetery — 7339014405 Conroe Fire of 1911 Historical Marker — 5507017662 Conroe Memorial Park-Mims Cemetery Cemetery — 7339001105 Conroe Oil Field Historical Marker — 5339007869 Conroe Telephone Exchange Historical Marker — 5339012320 Copeland Chapel Cemetery Cemetery — 7339004505 Crane Family Cabin Historical Marker — 5339007870 Crater Hill Historical Marker — 5339007871 Crawford Cemetery Cemetery — 7339004205 Cude Cemetery Cemetery — 7339006905 Danville Cemetery Historical Marker — 5000022688 Cemetery — 7339005905 Danville-Shepherd Hill Cemetery Cemetery — 7339007005 Davis Law Office Historical Marker — 5339007874 Decker Prairie Cemetery Historical Marker — 5507015067 Decker Prairie Cemetery #2 Cemetery — 7339002905 Dr. Charles B. Stewert Cemetery Cemetery — 7339011505 Dry Creek-Grater Cemetery — 7339007705 East River Baptist Church Cemetery Cemetery — 7339002405 Ebenezer Cemetery Cemetery — 7339007305 Elizabeth Shaw Cartwright Cemetery Historical Marker — 5000020048 Enloe Cemetery — 7339004005 Esperanza Historical Marker — 5339007875 Fernland Historical Park Museum Information — 4200001260 First State Bank of Montgomery Historical Marker — 5339007878 Forest Park Cemetery — 7339009605 Former Homesite of Joseph L. Bennett Historical Marker — 5339007865 Fostoria Cemetery #1 Cemetery — 7339000505 Fostoria Cemetery #2 (Private) Cemetery — 7339008205 Freeman Cemetery Cemetery — 7339000805 Frontier Colonial Home Historical Marker — 5339007901 Garden Park Cemetery Cemetery — 7339001405 George Bell Madeley Cemetery Historical Marker — 5339007883 Golden Gate Cemetery Cemetery — 7339007505 Goodson Cemetery Cemetery — 7339013005 Gorgey Cemetery Cemetery — 7339002805 Griffith Cemetery Cemetery — 7339003705 Griffith Graves Cemetery — 7339015005 Heritage Museum of Montgomery County Museum Information — 4200000097 Hickory Grove Cemetery Cemetery — 7339003305 J. S. Griffith Home Historical Marker — 5339007879 Jacob Shannon Evergreen Cemetery Historical Marker — 5339007899 Cemetery — 7339003905 James Jordan (Jardine) Log House Historical Marker — 5339007882 John English Cemetery Cemetery — 7339007405 John M. Wade Historical Marker — 5339007906 Johnson Cemetery Cemetery — 7339013105 Johnson Road-Votaw Cemetery Cemetery — 7339002205 Jones Chapel Cemetery Cemetery — 7339012405 Keenan Cemetery Cemetery — 7339004705 Kidd Cemetery #1 Cemetery — 7339007905 Kidd Cemetery #2 Cemetery — 7339002305 Kingwood Funeral Home Cemetery — 7339013205 Kirbee Kiln Site National Register Listing — 2073001970 Koonce-Urech Cemetery Cemetery — 7339008005 Lake Creek Settlement Historical Marker — 5507018408 Landrum-Springer Cemetery Cemetery — 7339008305 Lee Allen Grave Cemetery — 7339006605 Lee Cemetery Cemetery — 7339008405 Leonard Grave Cemetery — 7339008505 Lewis Dupree Cemetery Cemetery — 7339006705 Lowery Cemetery Cemetery — 7339008605 M. B. Steger Home Historical Marker — 5339007902 Mabin Alexander Anderson Historical Marker — 5339007863 Madeley Cemetery Cemetery — 7339008705 Magnolia Historical Marker — 5339007884 Historical Marker — 5339007885 Magnolia Cemetery Historical Marker — 5507017449 Cemetery — 7339000105 Magnolia Depot Historical Marker — 5339012233 Major & Margaret Uzzell Graves Cemetery — 7339011805 Mallalieu United Methodist Church Historical Marker — 5507013566 Malone Cemetery — 7339014705 Martin Cemetery No.1 Cemetery — 7339014605 Martin Hill Cemetery Cemetery — 7339005205 Matthew W. Cartwright y Historical Marker — 5339007914 Mausoleum of the Cross Cemetery — 7339013305 Methodist Parsonage Historical Marker — 5339007888 Miller Graves Cemetery — 7339009005 Mink Cemetery Cemetery — 7339009105 Mizell Cemetery Cemetery — 7339002605 Montgomery Baptist Church Building Historical Marker — 5339007889 Montgomery County Historical Marker — 5507014997 Montgomery County, C. S. A. Historical Marker — 5339007890 Montgomery County Courthouse Courthouse (1838) Courthouse (1842) Courthouse (1855) Courthouse (1891) Courthouse (1936) Montgomery County Courthouses Historical Marker — 5507017660 Montgomery Memorial Cemetery Historical Marker — 5507016450 Cemetery — 7339005405 Montgomery United Methodist Church, Site of Historical Marker — 5507014615 Moore Grave Cemetery — 7339009205 Morgan Cemetery Cemetery — 7339000305 Mostyn-Tillis Prairie Cemetery Cemetery — 7339003005 Mt. Pleasant Cemetery Historical Marker — 5339007891 Cemetery — 7339005705 Mt. Zion Cemetery — 7339012705 Mt. Zion Cemetery Cemetery — 7339003505 N. H. Davis Cottage Historical Marker — 5339007873 Nat Hart Davis Pioneer Complex and Museum Museum Information — 4200001364 New Bethlehem Cemetery Historical Marker — 5507015224 Cemetery — 7339001005 New Caney Historical Marker — 5339007892 New Cemetery of Montgomery Historical Marker — 5339007893 New Home Cemetery Cemetery — 7339009305 New Montgomery Cemetery Cemetery — 7339005605 Noah Griffith and Esther Wightman Griffith Historical Marker — 5339007881 Oakley-White Oak Cemetery Cemetery — 7339001905 Oakwood Cemetery Cemetery — 7339001205 Oklahoma Cemetery Historical Marker — 5507017450 Cemetery — 7339000205 Oklahoma School Historical Marker — 5339013122 Old Bird Cemetery Cemetery — 7339009405 Old Cemetery #2 (NE of Cook Lake) Cemetery — 7339015505 Old China Grove Cemetery Cemetery — 7339009505 Old Dean Cemetery Cemetery — 7339007105 Old Dr. Wm. P. Powell Home Historical Marker — 5339007895 Old Methodist Cemetery Cemetery — 7339005505 Old Rocky Cemetery Cemetery — 7339009805 Old Smith Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010005 Pate Cemetery Cemetery — 7339003205 Pauluka Gravesite Cemetery — 7339013405 Peterson Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010105 Pilgreen Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010205 Piney Grove Cemetery — 7339003105 Pool's Cemetery Historical Marker — 5507017209 Porter Chapel Cemetery — 7339003805 Post Oak Cemetery Cemetery — 7339002705 Prairie Cemetery Cemetery — 7339013505 Prater Cemetery — 7339012905 Prater Cemetery Cemetery — 7339013605 Presswood-Roberts Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010305 Private Cemetery Cemetery — 7339013705 Ratliff Vault Cemetery — 7339010405 Rayford Rest Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010505 Reaves Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010605 Red Bluff Cemetery Cemetery — 7339009905 Reinhardt Homestead Historical Marker — 5339007897 Reuben Jonathan Palmer Historical Marker — 5339007894 Richard Williams Cemetery Cemetery — 7339012305 Robinson-Brown Cemetery Cemetery — 7339008905 Robinson-McFaddin Cemetery Cemetery — 7339002105 Rose Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010705 Rosewood Cemetery Cemetery — 7339001305 Rosewood Funeral Home Cemetery — 7339013805 Rosewood Memorial Park Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010805 Rosewood Memorial Park Cemetery-North Cemetery — 7339013905 Saddler Cemetery Cemetery — 7339010905 Sanders Cemetery Cemetery — 7339003605 Sapp Cemetery Cemetery — 7339004305 Scotts Ridge Cemetery — 7339005805 Secretaries of State Historical Marker — 5507015190 Security Cemetery Cemetery — 7339000405 Shelton-Smith House Historical Marker — 5339007900 Shepard Hill Catholic Cemetery — 7339014805 Shepherd Drive Methodist Church Historical Marker — 5201010776 Simonton Home Historical Marker — 5507015456 Singleton Cemetery Cemetery — 7339011105 Site of Former Town of Danville Historical Marker — 5339007872 Site of Willis Cigar Factory Historical Marker — 5339007909 Site of the Home of Dr. Charles B. Stewart Historical Marker — 5507013858 Skinner Cemetery Cemetery — 7339002005 Small Private Cemetery Cemetery — 7339014005 Splendora Cemetery Cemetery — 7339002505 Spring Branch Cemetery Cemetery — 7339005305 St. Buelah Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery — 7339011205 Steger Cemetery Cemetery — 7339014105 Stowe Cemetery Cemetery — 7339011605 Sugar Hill-Martin Cemetery Cemetery — 7339008805 Sunday-Moore House Historical Marker — 5339007904 Tamina-Sweet Rest Cemetery Cemetery — 7339000605 Telegraph Road Historical Marker — 5339007905 Texas Cemetery Cemetery — 7339014205 Texas Flag Park Museum Information — 4200001177 The Davison Home Historical Marker — 5167007427 The Griffith Homesite and Cemetery Historical Marker — 5339007880 The Isaac Conroe Property Historical Marker — 5339007868 The Old Methodist Churchyard Historical Marker — 5339007887 The Railroad in Montgomery Historical Marker — 5339007896 The Richard Williams Cemetery Historical Marker — 5339007907 The W. A. "Bay" Evans Home Historical Marker — 5339007876 Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church Historical Marker — 5339012608 Town of Montgomery Historical Marker — 5339007916 Travis-Turner Cemetery Cemetery — 7339011705 Turner Family Cemetery — 7339014305 Turner-Simmons Cemetery Cemetery — 7339011005 Turner-Thomas Cemetery Cemetery — 7339003405 Two Single Graves Cemetery — 7339011905 Union Grove Cemetery Cemetery — 7339006005 Unknown Cemetery #1 Cemetery — 7339004405 Unknown Cemetery #2 Cemetery — 7339006105 Unknown Grave (Steger Lane) Cemetery — 7339015605 Vick’s Cemetery Cemetery — 7339000705 Waller Cemetery Cemetery — 7339012005 Weaver Memorial Cemetery Cemetery — 7339012105 West Fork of The San Jacinto River Historical Marker — 5339007898 Whispering Pines Cemetery Cemetery — 7339012205 Wiggins Family Cemetery — 7339015205 Wilburton Cemetery — 7339015305 William Cartwright Historical Marker — 5339007915 William S. Taylor Historical Marker — 5339007917 William Womack Home Historical Marker — 5339007912 Willis Historical Marker — 5339007908 Willis Cemetery Cemetery — 7339001605 Willis Male and Female College Historical Marker — 5339007910 Willis Methodist Church Historical Marker — 5339007911 Willis Rest Haven Cemetery — 7339001505 Womack-Cawthorn-Sturges Cemetery Cemetery — 7339005105 Womack Cemetery Cemetery — 7339014505 Womack-Springer Cemetery Cemetery — 7339012505 Wood Cemetery Cemetery — 7339012605 Wood-Valda Home Historical Marker — 5339007913 Yell Cemetery #1 Cemetery — 7339005005 Yell Cemetery #2 Cemetery — 7339004905 unknown #6 (Carver Sch) Cemetery — 7339012805 Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission's History, Founders, and Preservation efforts. Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More The History of our Commission The Commission’s predecessor, the Montgomery County Historical Survey Committee, was organized in about 1953 during the administration of County Judge W.S. Weisinger, with W. H. “Harley Gandy as its first chairman. Other members included Mrs. Smith (Bessie) Owen and Mrs. Raymond (Anna) Weisinger of Montgomery; Miss Margaret Ella Watson of Willis; J. T. Montgomery, Mrs. A.K. Stewart, and Mrs. W.P. McComb, Sr., all of Conroe. The Commission was organized for the purpose of preservation of the county’s historical and cultural artifacts. In 1973 the Texas State Legislature created county historical commissions. Each county in Texas is required by State law to have a historical commission, and in that year the Historical Survey Committee’s title was changed to the Montgomery County Historical Commission. Since it was organized in 1953, the Montgomery County Historical Commission has been prominent in regional and statewide historical activities. In 1966, Montgomery County along with DeWitt County (at the request of the State Commission) piloted a program of Texas History Appreciation Week sponsoring essay and poster contests in the public schools of Montgomery County. In June of that same year, dignitaries from many sections of Texas gathered in Montgomery County to pay tribute to the men who served Texas in the office of Secretary of State. Climaxing the event, a marker entitled “CHARLES BELLINGER STEWART, FIRST SECRETARY OF STATE” was unveiled and dedicated. The planning and cooperation of the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce made this event outstanding by any standard. The County Historical Commission has hosted numerous regional meetings, and the Commission has been awarded the State’s Distinguished Service Award for meritorious services in the field of historic preservation on at least three occasions. In 1978 the Commission received an award of merit for outstanding historical preservation accomplishment. The following year (1979), twenty County Chairmen in Texas were honored at the State Commission’s Silver Anniversary Banquet for having given the longest service to the Texas Historical Commission. Montgomery County was one of the counties recognized. During the Civil War Centennial Celebration in Texas (1961-1965), countless Confederate soldiers’ graves were located, service proven, and marked with government stones. Cooperation with the Texas Civil War Centennial poster and essay contests for high school students resulted in State-wide recognition for the county when Charles Heintz (a junior in Montgomery High School) won first place and a college scholarship with his entry entitled, “A MONTGOMERY COUNTY SOLIDER BOY”. This was a biographical paper on Frank B. Chilton of Montgomery who ran away from home to serve the Confederacy as a very young boy. He survived the war, returned home, and compiled a history of Hood’s Brigade. He was chiefly instrumental in gathering funds for the monument to Hood’s Brigade that stands on the Capitol grounds in Austin. Perhaps the most lasting and widely-publicized spin-off of the Commission is the creation of the Montgomery Trek Historic Homes Tour in Montgomery. In 1954, a Montgomery area citizen who was also doing volunteer work for the Texas Historical Foundation had an idea of organizing the first tour of old homes under this new State program of restoration and preservation. Late in 1954, with the guidance of the then Texas State Historical Survey Committee, the Montgomery Historical Society was formed to manage the affairs of the tour with its chief purpose being to preserve and/or restore the many aging but architecturally sound old homes in the Montgomery area. In April of the following year (1955), the first tour netted some one hundred and fifty visitors to six homes. Since this first tour, each third Sunday in April sees attendance at the “Trek” in ever-increasing numbers. Weather permitting, registration from five to as many as eleven buildings varies from four and five hundred to as many as eleven hundred at each place. Proceeds from the tour have been used to erect the many historical makers in the town, to restore its cemeteries, to further and encourage restoration and upkeep of the buildings, and to purchase historical materials for schools and libraries. The Arnold-Simonton House in Montgomery has been listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and has received a matching funds grant for the historic and architectural study necessary for restoration. Efforts to authentically restore this classic Greek Revival cottage were successful, and after serving as the city hall for the City of Montgomery for several years, it was moved to Fernland Historical Park where it serves as a museum. In 1972, Montgomery County was one of the fifteen counties invited to attend a comprehensive three-day workshop on oral history held at the L.B.J. Library in Austin. Three members attended. Through the work and efforts of the Montgomery County Historical Commission, over 40 historical markers (including subject, grave, and building markers) have been researched, applied for, and received for Montgomery County. The need for historical activity in Montgomery County is boundless. The County is rich in research materials, buildings that need notice, and countless other subjects concerning the heritage of the people of the County. The Montgomery County Historical Commission has been chaired by the following individuals since it was formed in 1953: W. H. “Harley” Gandy (1953-1963) Bessie Owens (1963-1985) Gertie Spencer (1985-2012) Larry L. Foerster (2012- ) In 1963, W. H. “Harley” Gandy stepped down as the Commission’s first chairman and the County Commissioners appointed Bessie Owen as chairperson. On February 13, 1985, the Commissioners Court honored Mrs. Owen’s 22 years of distinguished service to the Historical Commission with a wooden and bronze plaque, and Mrs. James (Gertie) Spencer was appointed as her successor. Gertie Spencer faithfully served as Chair of the Historical Commission for the next 27 years. On May 7, 2012, the County Commissioners Court honored Gertie Spencer for her exemplary service to the Historical Commission and, upon the recommendation of County Judge Alan B. Sadler, appointed Larry L. Foerster to the position of Chair of the Commission. Larry L. Foerster, Chairperson Montgomery County Historical Commission June 18, 2012 Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More America250 250 Anniversary Play Video All Videos Resolution Commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the Signing of the American Declaration of Independence WHEREAS, the American Colonists were being governed by a remote Monarchy who was taxing, regulating, and bringing Troops into the Thirteen Colonies; and WHEREAS, the Colonists were being strong-armed by those British Troops and fired upon in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775 along with other oppressive actions by the British Monarchy; and WHEREAS, the Second Continental Congress of those thirteen colonies established a Continental Army of Colonial Militias on June 14, 1775; and WHEREAS, after further conflicts with England, the thirteen British colonies bonded together to declare their Independence from the British Monarchy; and WHEREAS, on the Fourth of July in the year 1776, representatives from those thirteen British colonies signed a Declaration of Independence pledging their lives and fortunes to the cause of liberty from a Monarchy in which a complete severance of British Rule over the thirteen colonies was proclaimed which established the thirteen colonies as an independent nation; and WHEREAS, this Declaration of Independence by thirteen autonomous colonies from the greatest military nation at that time was a momentous move by underfunded, separate colonies who united in their fight for independence and to observe the rights of man “… as blessed by their Creator holding that all men are created equal and are endowed with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;” and WHEREAS, the Declaration of Independence has served as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those who cherish such God-given Rights across the globe; and WHEREAS, the thirteen British colonies were successful in their fight for liberty and freedom from a great military power which was the basis for establishing these United State of America; and WHEREAS, the 250th Anniversary of the signing of this Declaration of Independence represents a momentous occasion in the chronicles of the United States of America and of mankind throughout the World, and WHEREAS, the (Montgomery County, Texas) is a part of these United State of America; and NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we (Montgomery County, Texas) do hereby formally express a call for commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we earnestly encourage all citizens, organizations, schools, and political subdivisions to join in the celebratory commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from tyranny. About America250 Celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of Declaration of Independence Our Mission and Vision America250’s mission is to celebrate and commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking America’s Semiquincentennial. We aim to inspire our fellow Americans to reflect on our past, strengthen our love of country, and renew our commitment to the ideals of democracy through programs that educate, engage, and unite us as a nation. America250 will foster shared experiences that spark imagination, showcase the rich tapestry of our American stories, inspire service in our communities, honor the enduring strength, and celebrate the resilience of the United States of America. About America250 America250 is a nonpartisan initiative working to engage every American in commemorating the 250th anniversary of our country. This multi-year effort, from now through July 4, 2026, is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. About the commission The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission was established by Congress in 2016 to plan and orchestrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. The nonpartisan Commission, chaired by former Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios, is working with America250.org, Inc. to engage Americans across the country in designing the largest anniversary observance in our nation’s history. About the organization The America250.org, Inc. (“A250”) is the nonprofit supporting organization to the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. A250 works collaboratively with the Commission to facilitate robust public-private partnerships that bring the vision for America250 to life. A250 senior leaders and Board of Directors oversee a dedicated staff focused on executing the Commission’s vision. Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.

Montgomery County Historical Commission Preserving History for Montgomery County Texas Montgomery County Historical Commission " Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag " America250 Home About Events Work History Gallery Contact More Birthplace of the Lone Star Flag Montgomery County Historical Commission c/o Larry L. Foerster, Chair 2411 Ellis Park Lane Conroe, Texas 77304 Cell: 936-537-9070 foerster@dfcllp.com Purpose and Mission To discover, circulate information pertinent to the historical identity of Montgomery County. To cooperate with other organizations in preserving the history and heritage of Texas.