Bell County
Settlement began on Lampasas River, 1847. Created Jan. 22, organized Aug. 1, 1850. Named for Peter Hansbrough Bell (1812-1898), native of Virginia; veteran of Battle of San Jacinto; served in Somervell expedition to stop Mexico's Raids into Texas; officer in Mexican War; Governor of Texas 1849-1853; U.S. Congressman, 1853-1857. First county seat Nolanville. Moved Dec. 16, 1851, to Belton. By 1860 population was 4,799. Sent 12 troop companies into Civil War. Furnished goods from flour mills, hat factory, tanyard, leather works, blacksmith shops, cabinet shop, beef slaughter pens. (1965)
31.0040° N, 97.4915° W
Where to Find It
Roadside park at Lampasas River bridge and IH-35 S. feeder road, 2 miles S. of Belton.
Nearby Markers
- <0.1 mi S Six Miles East to Site of Little River Fort Belton
- 0.6 mi SW Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway Planing Mill Belton
- 0.9 mi NW Site of Childers-Shanklin Mill Belton
- 1.2 mi N Wilson Van Dyke Belton
- 1.8 mi SE Elm Grove Baptist Church Belton
- 2.8 mi S Stinnett's Mill Salado