Marquez between railroad history and Lake Limestone

Marquez combines the history of a railroad station with activities around Lake Limestone. The town was established in 1871 as a station on the International-Great Northern Railroad; it was named after María de la Marquez. Marquez is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 79 and State Highway 7. This offers two perspectives for planning your trip: the town’s history and activities on the water.

History at schools and community gathering places

The Old Bowling School and Masonic Lodge was built by settlers around 1860 and served as a place for community meetings. The Long Hollow Community schoolhouse was built in the 1880s and was also used as a community center and church; the marker was reported missing in May 2024. The one-room Shilo Church also served as a schoolhouse in Marquez’s early years. In 1902, the private Leon Academy opened in Marquez; it had 166 students. These examples served different purposes: a meeting place, a schoolhouse with several community uses, and a private academy. Marquez’s history thus extends beyond its founding as a railroad station and also encompasses education and community life.

Lake Limestone: river landscape and activities

The Sterling C. Robertson Dam is about seven miles northwest of Marquez. It impounded the Navasota River, a tributary of the Brazos River, thereby creating Lake Limestone. Activities on the lake vary by season: You can fish for largemouth bass year-round, with spring considered the best season for catching large specimens. Waterfowl hunting is seasonally available at various free public access points, if water levels permit. Be sure to follow the applicable regulations and check current conditions in advance.

Lake Limestone Public Use Area #5 covers 10 acres and offers an area for primitive camping. Leon County Park is on the lake’s eastern shore, along FM 39, and has a two-lane boat ramp. Check current information about operations and facilities before your visit. Marquez City Park has grills, covered picnic tables, and open spaces; check the available amenities there before your visit as well.

Visitor information

To reach the Old Bowling School and Masonic Lodge from Marquez, take State Highway 7 east for about 3.8 miles to FM 1147, then head south for about 3 miles. Check road conditions before setting out. Nearby Grayson Cemetery is on private property; permission is required for access.

Choose a vacation rental based on your interests

When looking for a vacation rental in Marquez, you can first decide whether to focus on local history or activities at Lake Limestone.

Discover more destinations: Jewett, Buffalo.

See the regional travel overview: Leon.