Masonic Hall
The Masonic Hall of North Lufkin was completed in 1900 by the African American Community’s architect, Will Engram. Engram moved to Lufkin in 1896 and, with just a third grade education, he became a master architect and carpenter, building around 100 homes in the area. The simple, wood-frame Masonic Hall was a meeting place for all the fraternal organizations of the Black Community. The Dawn of Light Free Masons Charter dates back to 1893. Under the ownership of the Masons since 1923, the Masonic Hall on Leach Street served as the meeting place for the American Woodmen, the Order of Elks, the Free Masons Dawn of Light Lodge #79, the Eastern Stars and the Heroines of Jericho. These organizations utilized the hall for their meetings, ceremonies and community activities until the mid-1970s.
Beginning in 1971, the Masonic Hall fell on hard times and was placed on the city’s demolition list. The daughter of Will Engram worked to save the hall as commemoration to her father and this monument to the black community. The first floor of the hall is now dedicated to revitalizing community organizations while the second floor is used as a Black History room. Artifacts found in the masonic hall were given to the East Texas Research Center of the Steen Library at Stephen F. Austin State University where they remain today. The Masonic Lodge has served the Black Community of Lufkin for over a century and continues to serve it today through education and outreach, and this historic building is one of the last remaining buildings from the turn of the 20th century
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
In the 19th century, the area that is now Angelina County found itself in the middle of the conflict between Spanish Texas and the newly-formed Republic of Mexico. As Mexico gained independence from Spain, the region became a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. This tumultuous period culminated in the Texas Revolution, during which Texas gained its independence from Mexico, leading to the formation of the Republic of Texas.
Angelina County was officially established in 1846, named after a Hainai Native American woman who had served as a guide and interpreter for Spanish and French expeditions in the area. The county experienced rapid growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to the timber industry. The area's vast pine forests attracted logging and sawmill operations, which led to the establishment of several towns and the creation of jobs.
Over the years, Angelina County has diversified its economy beyond timber. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought further economic growth and development to the region. Today, the county continues to thrive with a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture. The county is also home to various recreational areas, including Lake Sam Rayburn and the Angelina National Forest, which attract visitors from near and far. Angelina County's rich history and thriving present make it a vibrant and dynamic part of Texas.
Angelina County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Angelina County, Texas.
- 1805: The area that would become Angelina County is part of the disputed Neutral Ground between Spanish Texas and the United States.
- Early 19th Century: Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Cherokee, and Apache, populate the region.
- 1837: Angelina County is officially established from parts of Houston County and Nacogdoches County. It is named after a Delaware Indian girl, Angelina, who was married to a settler, who later became a local Native American agent.
- 1846: The first county seat, Marion, is established near the Neches River, but is later abandoned in favor of the more central Lufkin.
- Mid-19th Century: The county's economy relies on agriculture, particularly cotton production, as well as timber and sawmills.
- 1882: The Houston East and West Texas Railway is extended into Angelina County, boosting economic development and commerce.
- Early 20th Century: The discovery of oil deposits contributes to the county's growth and prosperity.
- 1927: Lufkin becomes the official county seat, replacing Homer.
- 20th Century: Angelina County experiences periods of economic growth and decline, influenced by various factors such as the Great Depression, the oil industry, and the timber industry.
- Today: Angelina County remains an important center for timber production, while also diversifying its economy with manufacturing, healthcare, and education sectors.