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Robertson County Information

The city of Calvert, founded in 1868, was named in honor of Robert Calvert, a descendant of Lord Baltimore. Robert Calvert was a large plantation owner and was instrumental in directing the railroad through Robertson County.

In the same manner that the railroad brought prosperity to Calvert, cotton planters (many of whom arrived in the area following the Civil War) established huge plantations with an ambience of prosperity and Southern hospitality.

Later, many of these families moved into town from their plantations located in the Brazos River Bottoms. They built a number of large and beautiful Victorian mansions, many of which are standing today.

The Historical District within Calvert encompasses 37 complete and 9 partial blocks.

The following pictures represent a sampling of the many commercial and residential historic structures available within the District:

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany (501 E Gregg St) - built in 1869 and continually used since.

Virginia Field Park Pavilion - circa 1895 - This Victorian bandstand was used for concerts, dances and other social gatherings. Still in use.

Queen Anne House (609 E Gregg) - circa 1897 - currently under restoration.

Katy Hamman-Stricker Library (404 Mitchell St) - built in1909 by the American Woman's League (AWL). The building was the first AWL chapter house in Texas. It was designed in a new arhitectural style evolving from the Chicago "Prairie School" architects led by Frank Lloyd Wright. The Chapter House was named the Katy Hamman-Stricker Library in 1939 by the Calvert Woman's Club.

Hammond House (604 Elm St) - built in1876 - Originally built to be a courthouse and jail, this unique building became a hotel and then a private residence after the county seat was moved to Franklin in 1879.

A self guided driving tour book is available at many downtown businesses. Enjoy viewing the beautiful Victorian structures at your own pace.

If you are tracing family histories or looking for cemetery information, the Robertson County Genealogy site may be helpful.

An article from a 1910 magazine titled "Calvert, Town of Opportunities", page 1, page 2.

A reference to one of our older homes which burned in June of 1991, here.