Columbus is known for its vibrant,
Republic-era history. Settled as Beeson's Crossing in
1823 by members of Stephen F. Austin's original colony, this
community of pioneers survived the travails of life on the
frontier, the hardships brought on by the Runaway Scrape
during Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico, and the
blood feuds that came to a boiling point as this small town
struggled to define itself and embrace civility.
With such a colorful history, it's no
wonder that our residents - both then and now - struggle
with leaving it all behind. Here are just a few
suggestions to get you started............
An amusing look at Columbus' past
through they eyes of history and the voices of local
re-enactors, this fun tour is hosted by the
Nesbitt
Memorial Library and takes place the annually during the
first weekend in November.
The Columbus City Cemetery
"Columbus City Cemetery is one of the
most photogenic cemeteries in southeast Texas, and it may be
one of its most delightfully haunted," says Fiona Broome of
Hollow Hill, one of the internet's oldest and most
respected sites for ghost hunters.
The Columbus City Cemetery--aka Old
City Cemetery--is set in a large, oak-covered field on
Walnut Street in Columbus, not far from the middle of town.
It was deeded to the city in 1870 as an existing cemetery.
Hauntingly beautiful, many of the headstones are as
interesting to read as they are breathtaking to view.
The earliest is dated 1853.
Many of the grave markers
were washed away in a flood at the end of 1913. Disturbed
graves could explain the recurring fog-like mist or ectoplasm
in photos, such as that seen above. There are at least 500
unmarked graves in the cemetery.
The cemetery contains the grave of WB Dewees, commonly
regarded as the founder of Columbus. Another site of
interest is the grave of Jonathan W. Sargent (1877 - 1929),
who was killed in a car accident near Columbus. He'd
assisted Howard Carter in Egypt, and may have been a victim
of the famous "curse" of King Tutankhamen's tomb.
In addition, the
cemetery was the final resting place of many Confederate
soldiers, as well as victims of the 1873 yellow fever
epidemic.
The cemetery is patrolled regularly by police. They can see activity in the cemetery from at least
three nearby roads. If you visit, be cautious of
uneven ground and the possibility of snakes.
The Colorado County Feuds, a series of gun
battles between members of the Townsend family of Columbus,
started during the 1898 Colorado County sheriff's race.
As the feud raged on, the economy suffered, families were
torn apart and blood was shed, both of the innocent and
otherwise.
The Ghost
Paintings of Ken Turner
Co-owner of Turner-Chapman Gallery in
Columbus, artist Ken Turner is known throughout the world
for his unique representations of historical events.
Rendered with incredible detail and touching accuracy, his
paintings often feature an overlay of the past with the
present.
A ghost painting of the Stafford Opera House
by artist Ken Turner
Ken's Comments about the painting
shown above
"Cattle baron Robert Stafford built
the Stafford Bank and Opera House in Columbus, Texas in the
late 1800's. The well-known architect Nicolas Clayton
designed it. His home was next door and the stage could be
seen from his second story porch. Those were the days of the
open range and many of Stafford's men were veterans of
Hood's Texas brigade and good with a gun.
The Opera house was restored to its' original splendor
nearly a century later. It now hosts functions, just as in
former times.
I was struck by the image made by the late afternoon sun on
the side of the building and said to myself, "I'm going to
paint that." While doing my first sketches I felt impressed
to add an image from the past to balance out the
composition. I was painting on location one day and the
painting was nearing completion when local historian Bill
Stein stopped to visit. Knowing that Stafford had been shot
and killed, I asked where it had happened. He informed me
only a few yards from the carriage in the painting and that
his widow was wearing a long white dress on that day."
