Franklin, Texas
Wheelock, Texas (GC9T2D4)
Bremond, Texas
Robertson County sits at the crossroads of Central and East Texas, where farmland meets forest and the Brazos River winds its way south. Established in 1837 and named for Sterling Clack Robertson — empresario of the Robertson Colony and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence — the county blends history, railroads, and quiet backroads that make for a relaxing day of geocaching.
County seat: Franklin
Incorporated cities: Franklin, Calvert, Bremond, Hearne
Unincorporated communities: Wheelock, Easterly, Owensville, Benchley (partly in Brazos County), New Baden, Ridge, Campbells Creek, Bald Prairie, Elliott, Hammond
Why visit: Franklin is a friendly, walkable town anchored by its restored courthouse square and small-town charm.
History: Established in 1872 when the county seat moved from Owensville, Franklin grew alongside the railroads. The 1882 Robertson County Courthouse still stands proudly in the center of downtown, fully restored in 2008.
Parks & starts: Franklin City Park, the Lions Club Walking Trail, and the shaded courthouse square.
Pro tip: Downtown parking is easy, and there’s plenty of space for trackable exchanges near the gazebo.
Why visit: Known as the Crossroads of Texas, Hearne’s railroad roots run deep — and that theme makes for great cache inspiration.
History: Founded in 1857 and named for Christopher C. Hearne, the town boomed as a hub for the Missouri Pacific, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific lines.
Parks & starts: Hearne City Park, the Hearne Depot Museum, and downtown murals celebrating the town’s rail heritage.
Pro tip: Bring your camera — the restored depot makes a great log photo backdrop.
Why visit: Calvert is one of Texas’s best-preserved Victorian towns — a living time capsule lined with antique shops and 19th-century architecture.
History: Founded in 1868 and once a booming cotton-trade center, Calvert’s historic district is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Parks & starts: Calvert City Park, downtown sidewalks, and church grounds (with permission).
Pro tip: Calvert’s downtown is walkable and quiet on weekdays — perfect for stealthy finds.
Why visit: Known as the Polish Capital of Texas, Bremond combines railroad history and cultural pride in a laid-back rural setting.
History: Founded by John H. Bremond and William Marsh Rice (of Rice University fame), it became a hub for Polish immigrants in the 1870s.
Parks & starts: Bremond City Park, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and nearby farm roads.
Pro tip: Stop by the local bakery for pierogis
Why visit: One of the oldest towns in the county, Wheelock predates Texas independence and once vied to be the state capital.
History: Founded in 1833 by Col. Eleazer Louis Ripley Wheelock, who also established an early academy here during the Republic era.
Parks & starts: The small community center, churchyards, and pioneer cemeteries.
Pro tip: A great visit with a travel bug with a “Texas Origins” mission.
Easterly – Once a stop on the International–Great Northern Railroad, now a quiet rural stretch ideal for roadside hides and bridge-view caches.
Owensville – The county seat from 1848 to 1870, now marked only by signs and a few remnants — perfect for a “Ghost Town History” cache.
Benchley – Straddles Brazos and Robertson counties; mix of farmland and railroad relics.
New Baden – Late-1800s German settlement with small downtown charm.
Campbells Creek, Ridge, Bald Prairie, Elliott, Hammond – quiet backroads, old churches, and great candidates for “Forgotten Texas” cache series.
Robertson County Courthouse (Franklin) – 1882 structure beautifully restored; centerpiece of downtown.
Hearne Depot Museum – classic rail-era architecture and exhibits.
Calvert Historic District – a full block of Victorian storefronts; ideal for walking caches.
Bremond Polish Heritage Festival – held each June, a must-visit for themed event caches.
Wheelock Cemetery – final resting place of early settlers; peaceful, shaded hide opportunities.
Brazos River Crossings – scenic bridges between Hearne and Calvert
Plan a Calvert → Hearne → Franklin triangle for a satisfying county-fill loop.
For backroad adventure, follow FM 485 and FM 46 between Bremond and Franklin.
Many hides are roadside or cemetery-based — always respect private property and posted signs.
Pair Robertson with neighboring Brazos County for an easy “two counties, one day” challenge.