What was once known as “Highlands” or “Buttermilk Station” is now the thriving city of La Marque, Texas. You might be surprised to learn that this unassuming town holds a rich history dating back to the days of the Republic of Texas. La Marque sits along the banks of Highland Bayou. It transformed from a rural settlement to a bustling hub. During the Civil War, soldiers traveling between Galveston and Houston would stop here to buy buttermilk. This earned the town its quirky nickname, “Buttermilk Station”. However, by the 1890s, the town faced an identity crisis when residents discovered another community with the same name. Postmistress Madam St. Ambrose stepped in with a solution, renaming the town “La Marque,” a French term meaning “the mark” or “my spot.”. La Marque’s growth didn’t stop there. The arrival of not one, but four railroads – the Galveston, Houston and Henderson, the International and Great Northern, the Interurban, and the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas – in the early 20th century solidified its importance as a transportation hub. The railroads brought an influx of people and businesses, transforming La Marque into the residential community it is today. From humble beginnings as a buttermilk stop to a thriving city, La Marque’s journey reflects the spirit of Texas: resilient, resourceful, and always evolving.
Greenwood Church
How about a story of faith spanning generations? This is the story of Greenwood Church. Greenwood Church has a rich