Historical Marker

Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad

Historical marker location:
Denison, Texas
( Main and Houston)
Marker installed: 1975
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1865 the Union Pacific Railway southern branch was incorporated to build a railroad from the St. Louis-Kansas City area to the Gulf of Mexico. In 1870, with construction completed to the border of Indian Territory, the line was renamed the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad. This title was often shortened to M-K-T, which led to the familiar nickname by with the line is best known -- "The Katy."

Following the route of an old cattle trail, the Katy became the first railroad to cross Indian Territory, now the state of Oklahoma, and enter Texas from the north. On Christmas Day 1872, over 100 passengers rode the first Katy train into Denison, a new townsite named for M-K-T Vice President George Denison. The construction and acquisition of branch lines soon extended the Katy east to Greenville, west to Rotan and Wichita Falls, and south to Galveston and San Antonio. By 1904, the system had over 1,000 miles of track in Texas. The railroad transported cattle, cotton, and other crops to market. It also carried passengers on such trains as the "Texas Special" and the "Katy Flyer" before passenger service ended in 1965.

Today (1975) Denison is a division headquarters on the M-K-T and the home of about 600 railroad employees

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.

railroads
The city of Austin, the state capital, is known as the live music capital of the world. It is home to many music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.
Texas random facts
Grayson County, Texas has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area that is now Grayson County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Tonkawa, and Shawnee. However, European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 1800s, leading to conflicts and the eventual displacement of the Native American populations.

The county itself was established in 1846 and named after Peter Wagener Grayson, a lawyer who served in the Texas legislature. Grayson County quickly grew as settlers moved into the region, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching. The county's economy flourished with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which facilitated transportation of goods and boosted trade in the area.

During the Civil War, Grayson County largely supported the Confederacy, and many residents volunteered to serve in the Southern army. After the war, the county faced challenges as it struggled to rebuild and recover from the economic and social impacts of the conflict. However, the discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought a new wave of prosperity to Grayson County. Oil fields were developed, attracting workers and boosting the local economy.

Today, Grayson County continues to thrive as a vibrant and growing community. It is home to several cities, including Sherman, the county seat, and Denison. The county is known for its natural beauty, including Lake Texoma, which is a popular destination for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and camping. Grayson County also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and festivals that celebrate its unique history and traditions.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Grayson County, Texas.

  • 1836 - The Republic of Texas is established, including the area now known as Grayson County.
  • 1846 - Grayson County is officially organized and named after Peter W. Grayson, a hero of the Texas Revolution.
  • 1850 - The first courthouse is built in Sherman, becoming the county seat.
  • 1871 - The arrival of the Missouri, Kansas and Texas Railroad sparks growth in the county.
  • 1872 - Sherman is incorporated as a city.
  • 1896 - The Red River Bridge, connecting Grayson County to the Oklahoma Territory, is completed.
  • 1900 - The population of Grayson County reaches over 40,000 residents.
  • 1930s - Grayson County is affected by the Great Depression, but starts recovering through federal programs.
  • 1960s - Lake Texoma is created by the Army Corps of Engineers, providing recreational opportunities.
  • 1990s - Grayson County experiences rapid growth due to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
  • 2006 - The Grayson County Courthouse, built in 1910, undergoes major renovations.