Historical Markers in Texas

The Five-Mile (Ratcliffe)- Rabke Community

History·DeWitt County·Texas

When four well-educated German families settled on Five Mile Creek in 1849, the community was called Latiner for their knowledge of Latin. Capt. Robert Kleberg (1803-88), Battle of San Jacinto veteran, was one early resident. In the 1880s, the German settlement of Rabke grew up nearby. Edward Rabke's store housed the post office, 1898-1905, and Woodmen of the World Lodge. Local children attended Five Mile School, which moved to the Ratcliffe farm in 1921. Except for Rabke Methodist Church, the early community landmarks have disappeared.

Getting there

29.0031, -97.3746

Locations are approximate and may be inaccurate, on private land, or otherwise inaccessible. Check before you travel.

Hear it from the road

Whistlestop tells you this story automatically when you drive past. No searching, no tapping, nothing to ask.

Download Whistlestop on the App Store