Discover The Crawford Genealogical Center and Museum
Discover the Crawford family, Crawford allied and collateral family's legacy through our artifacts and stories
Discover Crawford's Rich History
Explore Our Museum and Archives
Welcome to the Crawford Family Historical Museum located in San Marcos, Texas which began operation in 1982. Explore a tapestry of artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the Crawford family’s journey from Scotland, Ireland migrating through North Carolina, Tennessee and ultimately arriving in the Republic of Texas in 1837. We have a collection of early Texas Furniture, various documents of local history, as well as Crawford and Allied Families genealogical history.
The Crawford Migration into Tennessee: A Frontier Legacy
The story of the Crawford family’s journey into Tennessee is one of resilience, faith, and frontier spirit.
Like many Scots-Irish pioneers, the Crawfords carved a path through the wilderness, leaving behind a legacy that shaped the early American South.
From Pennsylvania to the Tennessee Frontier
The migration route taken by many Crawford families followed a well-worn pioneer trail: Pennsylvania → Virginia → North Carolina → Tennessee. Beginning in the counties of Lancaster, York, and Cumberland, these families moved southward into Augusta County, Virginia. From there, they pushed into western North Carolina—settling in places like Rowan and Mecklenburg Counties—before finally venturing into the untamed lands of eastern and middle Tennessee.
This journey often followed the Great Wagon Road, a vital artery for frontier expansion. The Crawfords, largely Presbyterian and of Scots-Irish descent, were part of a wave of settlers seeking land, liberty, and opportunity.
Early Crawford Settlements in Tennessee
By the late 1700s, Crawford families had established roots in East Tennessee, particularly in Washington, Greene, and Carter Counties. Many arrived with Revolutionary War land grants, a testament to their service and sacrifice.
As the frontier expanded, so did the Crawfords. By the early 1800s, younger generations moved into Middle Tennessee, settling in Davidson, Williamson, Maury, and Rutherford Counties. These areas offered fertile soil and new opportunities for farming and community building.
Eloise Crawford
A Legacy Begins
Mary Amanda Eloise Crawford, born on August 12, 1894, in Comal County, Texas, was the daughter of William Henry Crawford and Josephine Caroline (Carrie) Henderson Crawford. A brilliant academic, Eloise was fluent in Spanish and passionate about education. Her dedication to preserving family history and her substantial collection of heirlooms laid the foundation for the Crawford Family Historical Museum, ensuring the family's legacy would be cherished for generations.
Roots in COMAL County
Life on the Family Farm
Shortly after her birth, Eloise was brought to her parents' newly purchased farm in Hays County, overlooking San Marcos. This picturesque setting became the backdrop of her childhood. Eloise's early years on the farm were filled with learning and exploration, fostering her deep connection to the land and her family's history. This bond to her home remained strong throughout her life and influenced her later endeavor to establish a permanent place for the future generations to promote education on history, culture and heritage.
Uncover America's Pioneer Legacy
Discover the purpose of the Crawford Family Historical Museum, which is dedicated to preserving American heritage. Explore detailed biographies, significant historical events, and authentic artifacts and documents, highlighting the pioneers' legacy.
Biographies of Pioneers
Discover detailed biographies of Americans involved in the westward migration starting in the early 1600s.
Significant Historical Narratives
Explore narratives of pivotal events in the lives of pioneers that shaped American history.
Artifacts and Documents
View photographs, artifacts, and original documents, including wills and deeds, showcasing the American West's settlement.
A Lifelong Commitment to Education
Academic Excellence and Teaching Career
Eloise Crawford graduated from San Marcos High School in May 1912 and continued her education at the University of Texas at Austin, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1917. She began her teaching career in Goldthwaite, Texas, and later taught in San Antonio. Eloise's dedication to education spanned 40 years, earning her the Distinguished Service Award in 1964. Fluent in both the English and Spanish languages, her commitment to teaching and her community was unwavering. The Crawford Family Historical Museum, Inc. was created to preserve history, heritage, and artifacts to honor the hardships, challenges, and triumphs of many pioneering families in the area, including the Crawfords, and to ensure their history would be celebrated, remembered, and shared with the public. The museum is also the home of Anna Tennessee Crawford Gary, daughter of HR Crawford. This laid the foundation for Crawford Family Historical Museum, Inc.
Preserving a Family Legacy
Founding the Museum
Eloise's passion for preserving family history led her to collect numerous heirlooms and artifacts over the years. Realizing the significance of these items, she founded the Crawford Family Historical Museum in November 1983 on the property her parents purchased the year she was born. The museum was created to preserve and share the Crawford family's legacy with the public, ensuring their history would be celebrated and remembered.
From Scotland to San Marcos
The Crawford Family's Journey
The museum showcases the Crawford family’s migration as Scots-Irish, crossing the ocean to the land of opportunities, independence, and freedom — all the way through to their early settlement on Old Post Rd between New Braunfels and San Marcos.
A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Family
Tennessee Crawfords were known for their Presbyterian faith, landholding status, and military service. They fought in the Revolutionary War, Indian Wars, War of 1812, and even the Civil War—sometimes on opposing sides. Yet through these trials, their stories reflect the complexity and courage of the times.
Many married into other prominent Scots-Irish families, including the Campbells, Ewings, McDowells, Stewarts, Calhouns, McGavocks, Rutherfords, and Reynolds—creating a rich tapestry of interconnected heritage.
“Where our family story reflects the challenges of the times that our ancestors lived through, remembering them together honors their journeys and keeps their stories alive.”
Genealogical research and workshop area coming soon
Educational Programs and Workshops
The Crawford Museum's Impact on the Community
Enriching Lives Through History
The Crawford Family Historical Museum enriches the San Marcos community by providing educational opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering connections through engaging events and activities.
Community Connections
Our Genealogical Center, celebrate local history and allow for collaboration, learning and sharing discoveries.
Cultural Preservation
Preserving artifacts and documents, our museum of history also state CFHM, Inc. ensures future generations have the opportunity to appreciate their local history.
Community Engagement
Our museum of history hosts events and activities, fostering community connections and engaging with local history.
Calling All Descendants of Henry Rutherford Crawford!
We are excited to announce that the Crawford Family Historical Museum is open to all descendants and spouses of descendants from Henry Rutherford Crawford, born in 1811 in Tennessee and arrived in Texas in 1837 in Texas. For more information, please reach out to Christi Crawford Ellard via email at Cellard@cfhmtx.org. We look forward to connecting with you!
A Mission of Cultural Preservation
Preserving History for Future Generations
The Crawford Family Historical Museum, a Texas nonprofit corporation, is dedicated to promoting social welfare, education, and historical preservation. Our mission is to pass on the true cultural history of the Crawford family and American pioneers to future generations. Through our extensive collections, educational programs, and genealogical research center, we strive to ensure that the legacy of the Crawford family and their contributions to American history are preserved and celebrated for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about our services? We've provided answers to some of our most common inquiries.
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