BURTON — The rich history of Burton came alive once again as the Burton Heritage Society hosted the 14th annual Texas Ranger Day on Saturday at the Burton Railroad Depot.
The family-friendly event featured a variety of activities, including the Annie Maud Avis Memorial Chili and Bean Cookoff; folklife demonstrations such as blacksmithing, woodworking and leatherworking; and live re-enactments by the Legends of the Texas Rangers and McNelly’s Rangers.
The Texas Rangers, established in 1823, are one of the most legendary law enforcement agencies in American history. Originally formed by Stephen F. Austin to protect settlers on the Texas frontier, the Rangers played a key role in battles against Native American tribes, outlaws and Mexican forces during Texas’ fight for independence. Over the years, they became known for their toughness, resourcefulness and fearless pursuit of justice.
Today, the Texas Rangers continue to serve as an elite division of the Texas Department of Public Safety, investigating major crimes, tracking fugitives and upholding law and order across the state.
Children enjoyed interactive activities, including the Lil Miss & Mr. Ranger contest, while visitors of all ages toured the historic Railroad Depot and Burton Farmers Cotton Warehouse.
Winning the crowns were 6-year-old Isabelle Romero as Lil Miss Ranger and 4-year-old Harrison Faigle as Lil Mr. Ranger.
The event served as a fundraiser for the restoration of the Mount Zion Historic Chapel, an ongoing project aimed at preserving one of the community’s cherished landmarks.
The building, established in 1853, had burials on the site dating back to the 1840s.
No images survive of the original church, which remained at the site until the 1880s when it was taken apart and rebuilt in the nearby town of Burton. Renamed the First Baptist Church of Burton, it suffered great damage in the 1900 Storm.
Event organizer and Burton Heritage Society representative Steph Jarvis noted the importance history has within the small community.
“It’s really critical for our town to have events like this where both locals and visitors can come together to experience history while enjoying a fun family day,” Jarvis said. “We’re working to complete the restoration of Mount Zion so it can be a self-sustaining site for reunions, weddings and other community gatherings.”
Guests browsed vendor booths, participated in a silent auction and, of course, enjoyed a taste of the cookoff competition. They also could get thrown in jail and pay a $5 “bond” to be released.
The cook-off winners were Outback Cookers, taking first place in the chili competition, and Will BBQ 4 Beer, earning first place in the beans category.
For more information or to support the Mount Zion Chapel restoration project, visit BurtonHeritageSociety.org or check out the organization’s GoFundMe page.