Raleigh Richardson White, Sr.
Historical marker location:(August 9, 1840 - January 11, 1919) Born to a wealthy Missouri plantation family, Raleigh R. White joined the Confederate army, against his father's wishes, at age 21. During his service White fought under Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest and made a lifelong friend of fellow soldier J. B. Gambrell. In 1863 Raleigh married Annie Davidson (1844-1902), a family friend of Gambrell's. By war's end, White was acting as colonel of his company on Forrest's recommendation.
His life began to change dramatically when the young soldier, through the influence of his devout wife and their friend Gambrell, joined the Baptist church in 1869. He began a medical practice in Mississippi in 1870, but soon found himself drawn to the ministry. Ordained in 1873, White soon was an influential preacher and member of Baptist associations. In 1882, the Rev. Raleigh R. White and his large family moved to Texas.
White continued his ministry, often traveling to serve three churches at once. Always active in association work, he was particularly interested in seminaries, missions, and denominational work with African Americans. Annie White died of heart failure in Temple in 1902. Two years later, the couple's oldest son, Dr. Raleigh R. White, Jr., opened Temple Sanitarium, later renamed Scott & White Memorial Hospital, with his medical partner. The elder White carried on his work as an itinerant preacher. When he died in 1919, his lifelong comrade J. B. Gambrell, then president of the Southern Baptist Convention, wrote a eulogy for the Baptist Standard. (1998)
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.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
Bell County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bell County, Texas.
- 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
- 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
- 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
- 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
- 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
- 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
- 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
- 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
- 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
- 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
- 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
- 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen