Historical Marker

Canadian River Trails

Historical marker location:
800 N. 2nd St., Canadian, Texas
( 0.24 mi N at Historical Wagon Bridge roadside park, off US 60/83)
Marker installed: 1966
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Trade, exploration and hunting trails along the Canadian are older than recorded history-old when used 1541 by Spaniard Coronado hunting golden cities of Cibola. Route in 1840 for Josiah Gregg and 34 Missouri men with goods worth $25,000 headed for trade in Santa Fe. Used by 1849 parties escorted by U.S. Army Captain R. B. Marcy on way to California Gold Rush.

Hunters, cattlemen, settlers used Canadian River Trails in1870s and 80s, as Panhandle was opened to civilization. River's name,"Canadian," came from Spanish for "boxed-in." (1966)

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.

roads cattle
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.
Texas random facts
Hill County, located in Central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the region before European settlement. The area was primarily occupied by the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes, who relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance. However, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century marked the beginning of significant changes for Hill County.

In the early 1800s, settlers from the United States began to arrive in Hill County, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The Republic of Texas was established in 1836, and Hill County was founded in 1853, named after Dr. George Washington Hill, an early settler and land surveyor. The county seat was initially established in Hillsborough but later moved to Hillsboro.

During the Civil War, Hill County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The war took a toll on the area, leading to economic decline and agricultural setbacks. However, with the end of the war and efforts to rebuild, the county gradually recovered.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hill County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the establishment of new towns and communities. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a mainstay of the county's economy, with numerous cotton gins and mills scattered throughout the area.

Today, Hill County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic landmarks and sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its history. From its early Native American roots to its role in the development of Central Texas, Hill County continues to thrive as a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of its residents.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hill County, Texas.

  • 1853: Hill County established as one of the 36 original counties of Texas.
  • 1854: Hillsboro becomes the county seat.
  • 1860s: Hill County experiences rapid growth due to the cattle industry and the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1873: The Hill County Courthouse, a two-story wooden structure, is completed.
  • 1882: The Courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
  • 1886: Construction of a new courthouse begins.
  • 1890: The current Hill County Courthouse, a magnificent Romanesque Revival architectural style building, is completed.
  • 1900s: Hill County faces numerous challenges, including droughts, the Great Depression, and the decline of the cotton industry.
  • 1940s: Hill County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to World War II and the establishment of military bases in the region.
  • 1950s-1960s: Construction of Lake Whitney provides recreational opportunities and helps boost the local economy.
  • 2000s: Hill County continues to develop and diversify its economy, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.