Immigrant Heritage

Serbin: A Wendish Settlement That Still Stands in Lee County

In 1854, more than 500 Wends from Lusatia (in present-day Germany) settled near what is now Serbin and built the first Missouri Synod Lutheran church in Texas.

Lee County History & Culture

The Wends were a Slavic people from Lusatia who came to Texas seeking religious freedom. Led by Pastor John Kilian, they bought about 4,000 acres along Rabbs Creek in what became Lee County. They called their settlement Serbin, meaning 'Wendish Land.' By 1857, the community had around fifty families.

Their 1871 church building still stands. Today the Texas Wendish Heritage Museum in Serbin preserves this history. The museum complex includes a log home built in 1865 by one of the original settlers, a research library, and the old cemetery. Annual events like Wendish Fest draw visitors from across Texas. The site is off FM 2239 in Lee County, south of Giddings.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas Online — Serbin, TX

More Lee County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Your Property Taxes in Lee County

In Lee County, one office sets your property value and a separate office collects your tax bill — knowing the difference saves time.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill in Lee County

Texas law requires school districts to subtract $140,000 from your home's taxable value if it is your main residence — you have to apply to get it.

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Water Wells

A Groundwater District Controls Well Permits in Lee County

Lee County is inside the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District, which means drilling or operating a water well requires a permit.

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Public Hunting Land

Somerville WMA Offers Public Hunting in Lee County

The Somerville Wildlife Management Area straddles Lee and Burleson counties and gives the public access to over 3,000 acres for hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities.

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