Olivia

Established in 1892, the community of Olivia was named for Olivia Haterius, wife of the Rev. Carl J. E. Haterius, a Swedish Lutheran minister who bought land in the area and advertised a new settlement to other Swedish immigrants in the Midwest. Twelve Swedish families responded to the initial advertisement and moved to Olivia with others following in a few years By 1900 a number of non-Swedish families had settled here, as well. The first public building in Olivia was a one-room schoolhouse where children were taught during the day and parents attended classes at night to learn English. The Eden Lutheran Church held services in the schoolhouse until 1910, when a sanctuary was built. John Lind built the first store in the community on Carancahua Bay in 1894. The post office was housed in Lind's store and mail was delivered once a week. Lind moved his store to the center of the townsite in 1900. In 1906 Edward Wilson, another Swedish immigrant, bought the Olivia store and was appointed postmaster. Other businesses included a hotel, doctor's office, grocery store, blacksmith shop, and cotton gin. Since 1900 the thriving community has changed and grown, but retains its proud Swedish heritage. (1992)

Olivia is a historical marker in Olivia, Calhoun County, dedicated in 1992. It is one of 36 historical markers documented in Calhoun County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 56 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 28.6427, -96.4550 near Olivia. The nearest cataloged historic site is Olivia Cemetery (historical marker), about 0.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Site of Cox's Point, Judge Henry Joseph Huck, and Old Town Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5057003855. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.