Upper Settlement Rural Historic District
E of Granfills Gap off TX 22, Granfills Gap, TXLittle is known of the early (pre-1865) history of the Upper Settlement, but one of the first Norwegian families known to have homesteaded in the upper Meridian Creek valley were Bersvend and Kari Swenson. After arriving in Bosque County in 1857, the Swensons applied for a 160-acre land grant from the state in 1860 and established their farm on the north side of Rogstad Mountain just beneath the Berger and Martha Rogstad place. Here they erected a one-and-a-half-story stone house (no. 42) that was sited on a bluff overlooking the valley. Information from the General Land Office and the 1860 Census would seem to indicate that the Swensons erected this house during the early 1860s. This structure, which was substantially remodeled around 1900, is one of the oldest surviving residences in the entire Norwegian settlement area.
J. Lasson and Oline Reierson were another of the early families to settle in the upper Meridian Creek valley. They came to Bosque County in 1860 and, like the Swensons, applied for a 160-acre land grant that year. The Reiersons selected land adjacent to, but down the mountain from, the Swenson farm, where they erected a one-story stone house (no. 46) near a small stream that flows north toward Meridian Creek.
General Land Office records reveal that Canute Olson and E.R. Skeinland (or Skimland) also received patents for land within the valley in the early 1860s. The history of both of these properties, their owners, and the stone house that presently stands on each of these parcels of land is at best sketchy. Research suggests that the structures referred to herein as the Olson-Arneson. (no. 39) and Hans J. and Petra
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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.
In 1852, the Texas legislature formally established Bosque County, named after the Bosque River, which flows through the area. The county quickly developed as an agricultural hub, with settlers primarily engaged in farming and ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred economic growth and brought increased connectivity to the area.
During the Civil War, Bosque County, like much of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. The county sent troops to fight under the Confederate banner, and the war had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, Bosque County faced challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure.
In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas brought renewed prosperity to Bosque County. The oil industry brought investment and job opportunities, leading to a period of economic growth and development. Today, Bosque County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live.
Bosque County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Bosque County, Texas.
- 1854 - Bosque County is created and organized, named after the Bosque River.
- 1855 - Bosque County's first permanent settlement, Clifton, is established.
- 1861-1865 - During the Civil War, Bosque County supports the Confederacy.
- 1870 - The first courthouse is built in Meridian, which becomes the county seat.
- 1882 - The Waco and Northwestern Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
- 1890s - Bosque County experiences an economic boom due to agriculture and the expansion of railroads.
- 1905 - Meridian becomes the first community in central Texas to have electric lights.
- 1929 - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy.
- 1938 - The Civilian Conservation Corps builds Lake Whitney, a popular recreational site.
- 1940s-1950s - Bosque County's population declines due to outmigration and agricultural changes.
- 1990s - Bosque County experiences population growth and a revitalization of its downtown areas.
- 2015 - Bosque County celebrates its 160th anniversary.