​First Czech Immigrants in Texas

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Marker Text: ​​People from Czechy began to come to America for liberty as early as 1633. First known Czech in Texas was Jiri Rybar (George Fisher) , customs officer in Galveston in 1829. Others arrived individually for years before letters sent home by Rev. Josef Arnost Bergman, an 1849 Czech settler at Cat Spring (9 mi.s), inspired immigrations in large numbers.
        Josef Lidumil Lesikar (1806-1887) was instrumental in forming the first two large migrations, 1851 and 1853, with names of family parties listed on ship logs as Similar (Shiller), 69; Lesikar (Leshikar),16; Mares (Maresh), 10; Pecacek (Pechacek),9; Rypl (Ripple), 7; Coufal, 6; Rosler (Roesler), 6; Motl, 5; Jezek, 4; Cermak, 3; Janecek, 3; Jirasek, 3; Kroulik, 2; Tauber, 2; Marek, 1; Pavlicek,1.
              With pastor Bergman's counsel, many of the Czechs began to farm in Austin County. Other immigrations occurred in the 1850s , and became even heavier in the 1870s. Czechs eventually spread throughout the state, gaining recognition for industry , thrift , and cultural attainments. To preserve their heritage, they succeeded in having a chair of Slavic languages established (1915) at the University of Texas, and later at other schools. Their ethnic festivals have been held in various cities for many years. (1974)

Marker No: 1726

Aluminum 27 x 42 Subject Marker

Geographic: 29.975588,-96.398605

Location: ​1 mile east of intersection of FM 2502 and SH 159 (on SH 159), Nelsonville