First Anglican Church Service in the Callahan Area
Historical marker location:Alexander Charles Garrett (1832-1924), a native of Ireland, came to Canada as an Anglican Missionary. Later he moved to San Francisco, and then to Omaha, Nebraska. In 1874 he was sent to Dallas as bishop of the Northern Missionary District of Texas. Here he served an area of 100,000 square miles, traveling mostly on horseback or in horse-drawn vehicles.
Captain John Trent, born 1839 in South Carolina, moved to Texas from Tennessee in 1875 with wife, children, and other relatives. The family built a log house here at Tecumseh Peak and raised sheep and cattle.
Going to market in Dallas, Captain Trent met Bishop Garrett, who offered to visit him at his ranch. In a first effort the Bishop lost his way, but the next year found the homestead. Neighbors thronged in, and on February 23, 1878, an Anglican service was held "for the first time in these wild mountains."
Later Bishop Garrett was presiding bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States. On the centennial of his birth (1932), churchmen, led by the Rev. Willis Gerhart of Abilene, joined with Masonic bodies of Dallas and this area in erecting the cross at this site to mark his visit of 1878.
(1976)
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.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
In 1858, the Texas Legislature officially established Callahan County, naming it after James Hughes Callahan, a ranger and soldier in the Texas Revolution. The county's early economy relied heavily on agriculture, with cotton being the main cash crop and cattle ranching also playing a significant role.
During the Civil War, like many regions of Texas, Callahan County experienced unrest and hardship. After the war, however, the county quickly recovered, and the construction of the Texas and Pacific Railway in the late 19th century further fueled growth and development. The railroad brought new settlers, boosted trade, and led to the establishment of towns like Baird, Cross Plains, and Clyde.
Throughout the 20th century, Callahan County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. Oil was discovered in the area in the 1920s, leading to the establishment of oilfields and the growth of the petroleum industry. Agriculture remained important, with crops like wheat, milo, and sorghum becoming significant, and ranching continued to thrive.
Today, Callahan County is a vibrant community that honors its history while embracing modern advancements. Its rich agricultural heritage, coupled with a growing oil and gas industry, makes this county a resilient and prosperous area within the state of Texas.
Callahan County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Callahan County, Texas.
- 1854 - Callahan County is created and named after James Hughes Callahan, a Texas Ranger and legislator.
- Late 1850s - Settlers begin to arrive in the area, primarily from the southern United States.
- 1861-1865 - Callahan County, like the rest of Texas, is greatly impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1872 - Baird is established as the county seat.
- Early 1880s - The Texas & Pacific Railway is built through Callahan County, boosting economic growth.
- Early 1900s - Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, becomes a major industry in the county.
- 1923-1924 - Oil is discovered in Callahan County, leading to a boom in production and economic development.
- 1940s - Callahan County experiences a decline in population due to the effects of World War II.
- 1980s-1990s - The economy diversifies with the growth of manufacturing and retail sectors.
- 2000s - Callahan County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture and oil production playing significant roles in the local economy.