National Register Listing

Gatewood-Shelton Gin

304 E. Crawford, Palestine, TX

The Gatewood-Shelton Gin is nominated to the National Register of Historic Places for its contributions to Palestine's once important cotton-related industry and is associated with the historic context Community and Regional Development in Palestine: 1846-1945.

The Gatewood-Shelton Gin is nominated to the National Register at the local level of significance under Criterion A for its contributions to Palestine's once important cotton-related industry and is associated with the historic context Community and Regional Development in Palestine: 1846-1945. Although Palestine's historical development relied largely on die railroad, the processing of agricultural products, including cotton, played a supportive role in local history during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Gatewood-Shelton Gin is representative of this aspect of Palestine's economy. Furthermore, the gin is the only extant historic property associated with Palestine's cotton trade and thus provides the only tangible link to this portion of local history. Despite the removal of the ginning equipment in 1960 and the building's subsequent conversion into an antiques store, the structure's original form, massing, and materials are intact, and the property retains sufficient integrity to convey its historically significant operation as a cotton gin.
Bibliography
Sanborn Map Company. Palestine, Texas, 1935.
Texas Agricultural Statistics Service. 1866-1989 Texas Historical Crops Statistics. Bulletin 248. Austin: Texas Agricultural Statistics Service, 1991.
United States Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Agricultural Economy. Vital Facts about the Cotton Industry of Texas. Austin: Bureau of Business Research, University of Texas, 1943.
Local significance of the building:
Industry

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

industry
The University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
Texas random facts
Anderson County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1846 and was named after Kenneth L. Anderson, a veteran of the Texas Revolution. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived.

The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.

Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Anderson County, Texas.

  • 1836: Anderson County is established on March 24, 1836, as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838: The town of Palestine is established as the county seat of Anderson County.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, the county's economy is severely affected, and many locals serve in the Confederate Army.
  • Late 1800s: The arrival of the railroad in Palestine brings growth and development to Anderson County, making it an important transportation hub.
  • Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the area leads to an economic boom, with various oil fields and refineries being established.
  • 1930-1940: The Great Depression and the drought of the 1930s bring significant challenges to Anderson County, leading to decreased economic activity and population decrease.
  • Late 20th century: Anderson County experiences shifts in its economy with the decline of the oil industry. Agriculture becomes an important sector, with the county known for its timber, poultry, and cattle production.
  • 2000s: Anderson County continues to strive for economic growth and development, focusing on diversified industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.