Texas Civil War Iron Works
Historical marker location:To make farm and kitchen tools need in wartime, Chapel Hill Manufacturing Co. in 1863 set up plant on this site, processing native iron; used Cherokee limestone to purify the ore. Nearby hardwood supplied charcoal.
Crew included 100 Louisiana slaves. Ore from hilltop was fed through smokestack into furnaces on lower ground. Slag caught in furnace grates. Melted iron fell through and was cast into molds. Plant had associated sawmills, brickyards and commissary -- freighting goods from Mexico.
By the 1880's, at least 16 iron works operated in east Texas
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
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 was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.
During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.
In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.
Cherokee County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cherokee County, Texas.
- 1846: Cherokee County is created and organized.
- 1847: The town of Rusk is designated as the county seat.
- 1850s: The area sees conflicts between the Cherokee and local settlers.
- 1861-1865: Cherokee County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- 1872: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Rusk, boosting the local economy.
- 1900: The discovery of the large Berry gypsum deposit leads to the establishment of the Frankston Gypsum Company.
- 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant economic challenges for Cherokee County.
- 1942: Camp Fannin, a World War II army training camp, is established in Cherokee County.
- 1982: Lake Palestine is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
- Present: Cherokee County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.