Jack Lummus
Historical marker location:(October 22, 1915 - March 8, 1945) Born on an Ellis County farm, Jack Lummus attended school at Alma and Ennis, and Baylor University on an athletics scholarship. He played minor league baseball in Texas and football for the New York Giants. He joined the U. S. Marines in 1942 and on February 19, 1945, landed with the Fifth Marine Division in the first wave of assault troops on Iwo Jima. On March 8, after fighting without respite for two days and nights, Lummus and his rifle platoon slowly advanced toward a complex of pillboxes before being halted by Japanese forces. Despite injuries from two grenade explosions, Lummus single-handedly destroyed three enemy emplacements before stepping on a land mine, sustaining fatal wounds. His congressional Medal of Honor celebrates his "conspicuous gallantry and tenacious perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds." (1999) Supplemental plate: An exhibit with photos of Jack Lummus, a copy of the citation for his Medal of Honor and other records are available in the library on this site
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 has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.
During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.
Ellis County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Ellis County, Texas.
- 1849 - Ellis County is established from Navarro County.
- 1850 - Waxahachie is selected as the county seat.
- 1853 - The county courthouse is built.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Waxahachie, boosting the local economy.
- 1883 - Southwestern Asylum for the Insane (now known as Terrell State Hospital) opens in Terrell, impacting the county's development.
- 1889 - A fire destroys the Ellis County courthouse.
- 1895 - A new courthouse is completed, designed by architect J. Riely Gordon.
- 1921 - An oil boom begins in Ellis County, leading to increased prosperity.
- 1934 - The Federal Correctional Institution is established in Seagoville.
- 1942 - The Naval Air Station is established in Waxahachie during World War II.
- 1969 - Navarro College opens a campus in Waxahachie.
- 1987 - Bluebonnet Festival debuts in Ennis, becoming an annual celebration.
- 2007 - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center opens in Waxahachie, providing advanced healthcare services to the county.