Annie Webb Blanton
Historical marker location:ANNIE WEBB BLANTON, BORN AUG. 19, 1870 IN HOUSTON TO THOMAS LINDSEY AND EUGENIA WEBB BLANTON, BEGAN HER TEACHING CAREER AT PINE SPRINGS SCHOOL (FAYETTE CO.) AT AGE 17. SHE THEN TAUGHT FOR A FEW YEARS IN AUSTIN, WHERE SHE GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. IN 1901, BLANTON BEGAN HER 17-YEAR TEACHING CAREER AS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR AT NORTH TEXAS STATE NORMAL COLLEGE (NOW UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS) WHERE SHE PROMOTED GENDER UNITY, PUBLISHED GRAMMAR EXERCISE BOOKS WHICH WERE USED ACROSS THE COUNTRY, AND ASSISTED IN NUMEROUS SCHOOL ACTIVITIES.
BLANTON IS REMEMBERED FOR BECOMING THE FIRST WOMAN PRESIDENT OF THE TEXAS STATE TEACHERS ASSOCIATION IN 1916 AND THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED TO A STATE OFFICE AS THE STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IN 1918. IN 1921, DENTON COUNTY HONORED BLANTON FOR CONTRIBUTIONS IN EDUCATION WHEN IT NAMED THE COUNTY’S CONSOLIDATED HAWK AND CHINN’S CHAPEL SCHOOLS THE ANNIE BLANTON SCHOOL DISTRICT. IN 1922, AFTER SERVING A SECOND TERM AS STATE SUPERINTENDENT, SHE RAN AS A DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR REPRESENTATIVE OF THE THIRTEENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT BUT CAME IN THIRD. SHE EARNED A MASTER’S DEGREE IN 1923, FOLLOWED BY A DOCTORATE IN 1927, AND WAS MADE AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND CHAIR OF THE RURAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS. IN 1933, BLANTON WAS PROMOTED TO A FULL PROFESSOR. IN ADDITION, SHE IS NOTED FOR BEING A MEMBER OF NUMEROUS PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND FOR HELPING FOUND THE DELTA KAPPA GAMMA SOCIETY IN 1929. BLANTON DIED OCT. 2, 1945 AND CONTINUES TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR HER LEADERSHIP, COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION AND NUMEROUS ACHIEVEMENTS IN OFFICES THAT HAD NEVER BEFORE BEEN HELD BY WOMEN
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.
Denton County was officially established in 1846 and named after John B. Denton, a prominent figure in Texas history. The county played a significant role in the early days of Texas statehood and witnessed the challenges and triumphs of westward expansion.
Throughout the 19th century, Denton County thrived due to the expansion of railroads and the arrival of new settlers. Agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, became a key economic driver. Educational institutions, such as the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, were founded in Denton County during this period, establishing a legacy of academic excellence.
In the 20th century, Denton County continued to evolve. The discovery of oil in the area brought new economic opportunities, and the county experienced further growth and urbanization. Today, Denton County is a dynamic and thriving region with a diverse economy that includes sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
Denton County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Denton County, Texas.
Native American Inhabitation: Before European settlement, Denton County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Tonkawa.
Anglo-American Settlement: In the mid-1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, drawn by the fertile land and prospects for farming and ranching. The Peters Colony, a land grant company, played a significant role in attracting these settlers.
County Formation: Denton County was officially established in 1846, named after John B. Denton, a prominent preacher and soldier who died during the Texas Revolution.
Growth and Development: The county's growth accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of towns such as Denton, Lewisville, and Frisco. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a key economic driver in the region.
Education: Denton County became an educational hub with the founding of the University of North Texas (formerly known as North Texas Normal College) in 1890. The university has since grown into a major educational institution.
Modernization and Urbanization: In the 20th century, Denton County experienced suburban growth and industrial development, especially with the expansion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county's population has steadily increased, and it is now one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.