Montgomery Co. Bids for CR 178 State Marker

MONTGOMERY, TX – Montgomery County is making a significant stride towards permanently etching a piece of its foundational history into the state’s memory, pushing for a prestigious Texas State Historical Marker for County Road 178, widely known as “Old Road.”

The initiative stems from Precinct 2 Commissioner Charles Riley, who recently championed the idea before the Montgomery County Historical Commission. The commission swiftly voted to endorse the application, which is now headed to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) in Austin. A crucial May 15th deadline looms for the application’s consideration by the state body.

“This isn’t just a road; it’s a living testament to the very foundations of our county and the Republic of Texas,” stated Commissioner Charles Riley. “Recognizing CR 178 with a State Historical Marker would ensure its profound story continues to be told for generations, connecting residents and visitors alike to our rich past.”

The roughly 3.5-mile stretch, running east to west from FM 2854 to FM 1488, is far more than a local route. Its origins are believed to trace back to an ancient Indian trail, later evolving into a vital artery for early Texas settlers by the 1830s. Historical records strongly suggest that prominent figures, including Sam Houston, who spent significant time in the region, likely traversed this very path.

Often referred to as “Montgomery Road” or “Old Montgomery Road” in early documents, CR 178 served as a critical connection between burgeoning settlements such as Montgomery and Spring Creek, an important early community also known as New Kentucky. This thoroughfare facilitated essential travel and the transport of goods to distant ports like Harrisburg, fueling the nascent economy of the region.

Perhaps one of its most poignant historical connections is its role during the “Runaway Scrape” in March and April of 1836. As Mexican forces under General Santa Anna advanced, this road became a critical escape route for Anglo settlers and Tejanos fleeing eastward to safety before the decisive Battle of San Jacinto. The frantic migration, involving countless families and their belongings, underscores the road’s strategic importance during a pivotal moment in Texas history.

Much of the compelling historical research supporting the application has been meticulously compiled by prominent local historian and author Larry L. Foerster, along with contributions from other dedicated researchers. Their work paints a vivid picture of a road integral to the very formation and early development of Montgomery County and, by extension, the Republic of Texas itself.

Today, while much of Montgomery County has modernized, CR 178 retains a quieter, more rural character in sections, inviting reflection on its past. Securing a Texas State Historical Marker would bring significant prestige and recognition, drawing attention to a crucial piece of local and state heritage. These markers serve not only as educational tools but also as points of pride and interest for communities, often boosting heritage tourism. Montgomery County, as one of Texas’s oldest counties, already boasts numerous markers, but each new addition further enriches the narrative of its unique place in history.

The Texas Historical Commission, the state agency for historic preservation established in 1953, is tasked with reviewing such applications based on stringent historical criteria. If the application is approved following its May 15th review, the process can take up to 18 months for a final decision on the placement of a new marker commemorating CR 178’s profound historical significance.

For more information on the Texas Historical Commission and the historical marker program, visit thc.texas.gov.