Amidst the gentle sway of Texas grasses, discover the story etched upon the Henry and Amelia Griffith Plaque. This plaque, standing as a testament to the enduring spirit of pioneers, rests within Joe Matthews Park in Mont Belvieu, Texas. The Henry and Amelia Griffith Plaque whispers tales of a couple who traversed a changing landscape, leaving their indelible mark on this corner of Texas. Henry Griffith, born in Pennsylvania around 1797, possessed an adventurous spirit. He journeyed from Pennsylvania to Ohio, then down the river to New Orleans, finally landing in Louisiana near Opelousas. It was there, in Johnson’s Bayou, that he met Amelia “Millie” Barrow. Their paths intertwined amidst a vibrant community, known for its hospitality and lively gatherings. They married in 1824, and two years later, sought new horizons in Mexican Texas. The Griffiths received a generous land grant in 1830, settling in the vast Atascosito District. The Henry and Amelia Griffith Plaque stands near the site of their original homestead. Their league of land included the prominent landmark now called Barber’s Hill. In 1835, Henry sold a portion of this land, including the hill, to William Duncan. The deed stipulated that the hill, previously known as “the big hill,” would be renamed “Mont Bellview.” This transaction foreshadowed the community that would eventually blossom into modern-day Mont Belvieu. The Griffiths raised their family, cultivated the land, and built a life amidst the evolving Texan landscape. They witnessed the transition from Mexican rule to the Republic of Texas, the Confederacy, and finally, the United States. Henry served as Chambers County sheriff during the Reconstruction era, appointed by Governor A. J. Hamilton. The Henry and Amelia Griffith Plaque commemorates not just their personal journey, but also their role in the larger narrative of Texas history. Their legacy rests not only in their descendants but also in the very ground upon which the town of Mont Belvieu stands.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to