Polish Settlers of White Deer
In 1854, 100 Polish families (800 persons) came to America in one small sailing ship--a voyage of 9 weeks. None spoke English. From Galveston they walked 200 miles to Panna Maria in South Texas, arriving for Christmas Eve Mass. There they toiled at manual labor. In 1909, in response to White Deer Land Co. offers, they migrated here. Later the colony had additions from Washington State, Nebraska, Wisconsin. Their first Catholic church, completed May 13, 1913, was on this site. Today their descendants include some of the most outstanding citizens of Texas.
35.4397° N, 101.1765° W
Where to Find It
FM 294 N (North Main Street), on grounds of Catholic Church, White Deer (2 blocks north of intersection with Highway 60)
Nearby Markers
- 0.4 mi SE Jackson General Store White Deer
- 0.4 mi SE White Deer White Deer
- 0.5 mi SE Hotel at White Deer White Deer
- 0.6 mi SE First Baptist Church of White Deer White Deer
- 0.6 mi S First Presbyterian Church White Deer
- 0.6 mi S First Presbyterian Church White Deer