POLISH

The first Polish people came to Texas as early as 1818, when some soldiers who had served in Napoleon's army came to a French colony.  The Spanish did not allow the colony to continue so it was disbanded.

The majority of Polish immigrants came to Texas after the mid-1850s.  Much of the immigration was a group movement due to the influence of Father Leopold Moczygemba, a Polish Franciscan missionary.  He founded the first Polish settlement, Panna Maria, in 1854.   In one year 700 others joined the original colony.  They began to settle such towns as Cestohowa, Kosciusko, Polonia, Chappel Hill, and Bryan.  Since the Polish communities remained isolated for many years there has been a preservation of their traditions.

Click here to learn about the history of Panna Maria, Texas.

Click here to see a photo gallery of Polish Heritage.