Wilma Carlton
Historical marker location:Wilma Carlton was born in Columbus, Texas, on September 25, 1882, the first child of Mississippi natives Senie Needham and Thomas Jefferson Carlton. The family settled in the Pin Oak area of Milam County by 1880 and grew to include three more daughters and a son. Her father, whose original surname may have been Davidson, worked as a farmer, a bailiff in the county sheriff's office and a rail car inspector. He was killed by another railroad employee in 1899. Her mother moved to Cameron and operated a boarding house there. Wilma, 17 at the time of her father's death, left Texas to attend the Union Benevolent Association Training School, an early, acclaimed nursing school in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
In 1904, Carlton graduated from her training, which was based on Florence Nightingale's renowned example. That same year, Drs. Arthur Carroll Scott and Raleigh R. White, Jr. established their Temple sanatarium and a supporting nurses training program. In 1905, they hired Wilma Carlton as the program superintendent. She oversaw the teachers,courses and schedules for the nurses in training, and was the liaison between them and the hospital's physicians. She was also known for her compassionate bedside manner and her embodiment of Florence Nightingale's teachings.
During her 17-year career in Temple, Carlton served as a statewide leader in nursing, working toward licensing standards. Active in the Red Cross, she was a member of national and state professional groups,such as the Texas Graduate Nurses' Association, which she served for two terms as president. Carlton became ill in September 1922 and died on December 27 of that year at the age of 40. (2005)
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 cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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