Woodson Lumber Company
Brothers James R. (Jim) (1884-1940) and Harrie P. Woodson, Jr. (1892-1974) left their home in Richmond, Missouri after their mother died in 1912. In California they worked in a lumberyard, with Harrie as a laborer and Jim in the office. Jim made his way to texas in late 1912 and Harrie arrived in 1913. When they learned that Reeves-Slliman Lumber Company was for sale, they partnered with D.E. Reeves. Area population growth and a booming east Texas timber market made Caldwell an ideal location for the retail lumber industry. The Reeves-Woodson Lumber Company opened on December 1, 1913, and soon became the area’s primary source for building materials. In 1916 the name changed to Woodson Lumber Company.
The company’s building materials, household items and supplies equipped a majority of homes and other buildings in the area. The business helped families establish homes as the area grew, particularly in the 1910s and again during the post-war boom of the late 1940s to 1950s. Proximity to the railroad depot made unloading and delivering materials convenient. The company also expanded to more than a dozen retail locations throughout the region and across Texas beginning in 1924. In 1946, after Harrie’s two sons-in-law returned from World War II service, the company’s second generation joined the family business. The Woodson brothers were also active in their community, with Jim serving as an alderman and acting chamber of commerce president and Harrie serving as First United Methodist Church trustee and building committee chairman. In 1974, the city’s Harrie P. Woodson Memorial Library was dedicated in his honor. Woodson Lumber Company has had the privilege of serving multiple generations of neighbors over more than 100 years in the same family
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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
During the Civil War, Burleson County saw its fair share of turmoil. Many of its residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, while others supported the Union. The county was occupied by Union troops for a short period, which caused further division among its residents.
In the late 19th century, the county experienced an economic boom with the expansion of the railroad. The arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railway in the 1870s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce. Several communities, such as Caldwell and Snook, were established along the railroad routes and became important shipping centers for agricultural products.
Agriculture remained the backbone of the county's economy throughout the 20th century. Cotton, corn, and livestock farming were the mainstay of Burleson County's agricultural industry. The county also experienced growth in oil and gas production during the mid-20th century. In recent years, the county has diversified its economy with the growth of manufacturing and services sectors.
Today, Burleson County is a thriving community with a blend of rural charm and economic development. Its rich history is celebrated through various events and festivals, such as the Burleson County Czech Heritage Festival and the Caldwell Kolache Festival. The county's natural beauty, historic landmarks, and vibrant community make it a desirable place to live, work, and visit.
Burleson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Burleson County, Texas.
- 1841 - Burleson County is established as a part of the Republic of Texas
- 1851 - The county seat is established in Caldwell
- 1861-1865 - Burleson County residents actively participate in the American Civil War
- 1870s - The county experiences growth with the arrival of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad
- 1881 - A fire destroys many buildings in Caldwell
- 1903 - The Texas A&M Southwest Experiment Station is established in Burleson County
- 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardship to the county
- 1940 - Oil and gas discoveries bring some economic relief to Burleson County
- 1976 - The Burleson County Historical Society is formed
- 1990 - The population of Burleson County reaches its peak at over 21,000 residents
- 2000s - The county continues to focus on agricultural and oil industries while experiencing some population growth