Panna Maria, Texas

Oldest Permanent Polish Colony in America Panna Maria, Texas Settled by 100 Polish families who came to Texas to gain economic, political and religious freedom. Led by Father Leopold Moczygemba, O.F.M., Conv., they made a contract in 1854 with John Twohig, a San Antonio banker and merchant, for land at this site. The colonists, natives of Upper Silesia and Krakow, landed at Galveston after a hard voyage of nine weeks on a sailing ship. They hired Mexican carts to haul their farm implements, featherbeds, and the cross from their parish church in Poland. The 800 men, women, and children walked - some in boots, others barefoot - the 200 miles inland to their new home. Babies were born on the way, and some of the people died. All suffered from hunger and exposure. On Dec. 24, 1854, they reached this site. They named it Panna Maria (Virgin Mary), placing it under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception. Beneath a large oak they offered their first Midnight Mass of thanksgiving and petition for strength and courage. They camped out until they could put up huts of mud, straw or wood, later building in stone. In spite of hardships, they founded a stable community, aided in settling other frontiers, pioneered in education, and gave Texas many patriotic, dedicated citizens. (1966)

Panna Maria, Texas is a historical marker in Panna Maria, Karnes County, dedicated in 1966. It is one of 26 historical markers documented in Karnes County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 45 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 28.9574, -97.8983 near Panna Maria. The nearest cataloged historic site is Town of Panna Maria (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Immaculate Conception Church, Pilarczyk Store, and First Store in Panna Maria.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5255006074. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.