La Vernia Historical Association

The History of La Vernia, Texas

Early Settlers

Early settlers from Spain and Mexico were the first to claim the tribal lands of Native Americans along the Cibolo Creek. The Republic days of Texas in the 1840s witnessed the creation of settlements in the area when the first wave of settlers came from the Old South hoping to establish cotton plantations, followed closely by immigrants from the Prussian Empire, including Germans and Polish. The settlement was initially given the name, “Post Oak,” but 1859, when it was discovered another town already had the name, it was officially changed to “Lavernia.” The spellings, La Vernia, LaVernia, and Lavernia, are also accepted. The unusual history of the beautiful Italian name can be found in issue #1 of Lavernia Legacies.

This periodical offers FIVE different issues. EACH issue provides different stories, information, lists, and maps. Order individually or as a set of five. Softcover, 8.5″ x 11″, fully indexed, black and white.

The Wanamaker School, Also Called Hilltop, In Wilson County, Texas

Compiled by Susan Duelm Richter and Elaine Mazurek Stephens. This school, located a few miles west of La Vernia, served students in the late 1800s into the 20th century. While the official name was Wanamaker, many students called it Hilltop. This book leads you through the histories and mysteries surrounding the rural school. Softcover, full color, 8.5″ x 11″. Fully indexed.

La Vernia Family Legacies

CURRENTLY SOLD OUT | POSSIBLE REPRINT COMING

We’re excited by the incredible response, this book sold out faster than expected. We are exploring the possibility of a reprint, and are gathering early interest to help guide that decision. If you would be interested in securing a copy, please email us by June 30, 2026. The original retail price was $70, but the final price for any reprint has not yet been set. Please note: this is not a purchase commitment, just an expression of interest while we evaluate demand.

Is YOUR FAMILY featured in this book? See the Table of Contents.

Hardcover, full color, 8.5″ x 11″

The History of La Vernia Schools featuring Spirit & Sports 1870 – 1999

Order Online for $51 (including shipping & handling) or pickup at the La Vernia Heritage Museum for $40.

Fully indexed
167 pages – 8.50″ X 11″
soft-cover, perfect binding
FULL color
All proceeds benefit the LVHA

Please Note: The museum is open on the first Sunday of each month from Noon to 3 pm. Occasionally, we are unable to open on these days; when this happens, a notice will be posted on our Facebook page. We also always welcome appointments. To schedule a visit, please call 210-392-3281.

Historical Markers Near La Vernia

Cibolo Crossing on the Gonzales Road
Suttles Pottery
Bridge at McAllister Crossing
LVISD Building 100
Concrete Cemetery
Applewhite Homestead
Susanna Dickinson Alamo Survivor
Deaf Smith Oak Tree
Brahan Lodge No. 226, A.F. & A.M.
Immanuel Lutheran Church
La Vernia
Linne Oil Field
Rector Chapel Bell
Polley Cemetery
Rector Chapel Cemetery
Old Chihuahua Road
Beall Cemetery
Whitehall – Polley Mansion

History You Can Download

Map of Local Historical Markers
A Brief History of the La Vernia Schools – Learn about the school history in La Vernia.
Schraub Building History – This building on historic Chihuahua Street provided goods and services for the community for many decades. Learn about it’s history and demise.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic Chihuahua Street – Note: This full-color brochure is designed to print front and back on an 8.5″ x 14″ legal-size piece of paper. The brochure is also available for a $1 suggested donation at the La Vernia Heritage Museum. Please contact us if you would like to order a quantity for your business.
Red sandstone rocks have been used in many historic structures in La Vernia, Stockdale, and Sutherland Springs. This narrative was prepared by the La Vernia Historical Association, the Sutherland Spring Historical Museum, and local historians, Allen and Regina Kosub.
Read about the Sanders family of La Vernia. See photos and a history of the Sanders family who lived in the old home where The Texan is now located in La Vernia.
An Interview with two former LV Fire Dept. Chiefs and One Former Mayor, June 20, 2005 – Read the story here. June 20, 2005 – Interview at the La Vernia Heritage Museum with two former LV Fire Chiefs and one former Mayor. Photo on the right is during this very meeting (L-R: Kip Workman, Ewald “Junior” Koepp, Paulie Mattke).