Historical Projects
Camp Ben McCulloch, Driftwood, Texas
Established 1896
National Historic Site - 2005
Tabernacle - Prior to 2004 Restoration
History of Camp Ben McCulloch
Camp Ben McCulloch was organized in the summer of 1896 at Driftwood, Texas. Beginning about 1930, it was the largest UCV Camp in the South. The first meeting was held at the "Martin Spring" near Driftwood on property belonging to Joe Rogers, a Confederate veteran. The date was set each year according to the full moon and between cotton chopping and cotton harvesting time. This year marks the 110th Annual Reunion to be held at Camp Ben McCulloch, which has been held annually since that time.
The reunions are held on the forty acre site on Onion Creek near Driftwood, twenty miles southwest of Austin. The camp has electricity, running water and splendid swimming in natural spring fed Onion Creek. The grounds are covered with some of the finest oak and cypress trees to be found anywhere.
The camp was named in honor of Gen. Ben McCulloch, who was killed while serving in the Confederate forces in the Battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 7, 1862. He had also served with distinction as a private in the Battle of San Jacinto and later in the Texas Rangers and in the United States Forces in the War with Mexico. Both he and his brother, Henry Eustace McCulloch, reached the rank of general in the Confederate Army. General Ben McCulloch is buried in the State Cemetery at Austin, Texas.
Confederate Veterans posing in front of Tabernacle National Historical Marker
In 2004, a Hays County Parks Grant enabled the historic Tabernacle to be restored. Pictured above are Commander Harrell Robinson and Grandson, Sid Hall, cut the ribbon in the opening ceremony dedication.
Historic tables built by WPA in 1937 Cool spring waters on a hot summer day
The camp is open to the public year round. Day use is free. Camp sites with water and electricity are available on a first come basis without reservations. Facility rentals require a reservation and deposit. For information or to make reservations, call (512) 858-2084.
UDC Daughter's Contributions:
The Gen. Ben McCulloch Chapter #2435, Dripping Springs was formed with the purpose of supporting the camp through its objectives which are historical, educational, patriotic, memorial, and benevolent. Members provide monetary support and hours of donated time toward upkeep, beautification, and improvements of the camp annually. The historical marker and Memorial Marker were placed at the camp with loving care by these member-daughters and their children, the Children of the Confederacy.
Directions:
Camp Ben McCulloch is located at 18301 FM 1826, across the street from the Salt Lick BBQ Restaurant. FM 1826 intersects Hwy 290 W. west of Austin in Oak Hill, Loop 1 at its south end, FM 967 from Buda's Loop 4, and FM 150 at Driftwood, between Kyle and Dripping Springs.
Dr. Joseph M. Pound House Museum
Home built 1836
Dripping Springs, Texas
Texas Historical Site
Grand-daughter of Dr. Joseph Pound, Margarite Hammond visits regularly and guides the reconstruction.
The Pound House before restoration.
The Pound House was restored in phases as money was raised. Fall Festival was born as a way to invite the community to see the facility, to raise awareness of need, and as an annual fund raiser.
The Smokehouse (pictured above left) was the first restoration project completed. Various period activities were a part of the Fall Festival on the grounds of the Pound House. Members of the local Children of the Confederacy chapter, Magnolia Rangers, are demonstrating the Virginia Reel (above right).
As time went on, and as money was donated, the Pound House was restored, part by part.
Front View
Rear View
2008 Rear View with Landscaping
Kitchen Parlor Bedroom
Kitchen Log Room Grounds
Fall Festival
Today, the Pound House Museum is open to the public on Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and by reservation. A volunteer docent, many of whom are members of Gen. Ben McCulloch UDC chapter, will provide guests with a historical tour. A visitor center is planned for the future.
Restored home, 2005 Restored barn and wagon, 2005
Inside kitchen, 2005 Giant Oak trees on grounds, 2005
Directions: The Pound House Farmstead Museum is located in Dripping Springs off Ranch Road 12, north of Hwy. 290 west approximately 1/2 mile on the right. A brown park sign marks the road to the area.
2007-2008 Historical Project
Restoration of First National Flag that belonged to Dr. Pound
Before Restoration After Restoration
Inscription found on back of frame noted that "The flag was sewn by a local lady and Dr. Pound placed it in his horse's bridle as he rode off to training camp for the Civil War."