Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board
Historical marker location:In the 1930s, in the midst of the Great Depression, one of the worst sustained ecological disasters in the nation’s history devastated the southern plains. Long periods of drought mixed with strong winds robbed entire farms of topsoil and completely buried others. With confusion mounting as to the cause of the dust storms, a few early soil conservationists actively sought scientific and pragmatic solutions. One outspoken advocate, Hugh Hammond Bennett, was instrumental in the earliest federal efforts to address the soil erosion problem, but more was needed.
In Texas, responses to the agricultural crisis began as early as 1931 when Gov. Dan Moody called for a special soil and water conservation committee. Following several years of failed legislation to create local conservation districts and a state board to oversee the system, Gov. W. Lee “Pappy” O’ Daniel signed the Texas Soil Conservation Law in 1939. Proposed by Texas conservation advocate V.C. Marshall of Bell County and the “Committee of 100,” the law established local districts controlled by landowners. One of the first orders of business was to establish the state board elected by delegates from each county in the state. V.C. Marshall was elected the first chairman of the board and the board’s headquarters were established in temple. From the beginning, the agency worked directly with farmers, interest groups and political leaders to responsibly conserve and protect the environment with programs focusing on water quality, brush control, pollution, drought preparedness and education
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 state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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