Inscription
The Texas & Pacific Railway arrived here in 1880, platting a town near the work camp of Matthew Baird, surveyor and engineer. In 1881, the T&P built a roundhouse and immigrant house, and moved a depot building to this new railroad division point. The town of Baird prospered and became county seat in 1883.
A frame depot built in 1905 converted to storage when replaced by this two-story brick depot in 1911. The Prairie style building features a decorative belt course, overhanging eaves, low-pitched roof and unusual Flemish style parapet. In 1977, the railroad discontinued use of the building, which still recalls the town's importance as a shipping point.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1985
Location
Sources
More markers in Callahan
Callahan County
Baird, TX
Formed from Bexar Territory, created February 1, 1858; recreated August 21, 1876; organized July 3, 1877.
Camp Pecan, C.S.A.
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This Civil War camp of the Texas frontier regiment was located 21 miles southeast.
Old Fort Phantom Hill Corn Road
Clyde, TX
Founded 1851 for supply operations between Austin and the frontier post of Fort Phantom Hill.
William Jeff Maltby
Baird, TX
(December 7, 1829 - June 27, 1908) A native of Illinois, William Jeff Maltby gained fame as a frontiersman, veteran of the Mexican War...
Callahan County Courthouse
Baird, TX
The county seat moved from Belle Plain to Baird in 1883, and a courthouse, designed by noted architect F.E. Ruffini, was built at this site.
