Historical Marker

Branch and Bonnot House

Historical marker location:
CR 440, Edna, Texas
( from Edna, take SH 111 East about 9 miles, then go south on FM 172 about 3.75 mile go E on gravel road CR 440 (first house on W side of street))
Marker installed: 1965
Marker size: 12" x 6"

Built 1861 by Mrs. Sarah Wiseman. Since 1867, E. G. Branch and Bonnot heirs have kept open house to lower bay country here.

Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1965

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.

houses residential buildings
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
Texas random facts
Jackson County, Texas, located on the Gulf Coast in southeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history. It was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and the Coahuiltecans. European exploration of the area began in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that Anglo-American settlers began to establish permanent settlements.

The history of Jackson County is closely tied to significant events in the development of Texas. In 1821, the area became part of the newly independent Mexico, and Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," received a land grant in what is now Jackson County. The first Anglo-American settlers arrived in the 1820s and began establishing communities, such as Texana and La Placita, which would later become the county seat, Jackson County.

During the Texas Revolution, Jackson County served as an important site for the Texian forces. The Battle of Dimitt's Landing took place in Jackson County, where Texian rebels launched an attack on a Mexican garrison, leading to their retreat. The county also witnessed the playing of the "The Yellow Rose of Texas," a popular folk song believed to have originated during the Battle of San Jacinto.

By the mid-19th century, Jackson County experienced significant growth due to the expansion of the railroad industry and the discovery of oil and gas reserves. Towns like Edna sprung up as trade and transportation centers for the area's agricultural and industrial activities. Today, Jackson County continues to thrive economically with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and energy production.

Throughout its history, Jackson County has played a prominent role in Texas' development, from its early days as a Mexican territory to its contributions in the Texas Revolution and its subsequent growth and prosperity in the 19th and 20th centuries. The county's rich history is reflected in its museums, historical sites, and the legacy of its residents who have shaped the community over the years.

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

  • 1829 - Jackson County is established as part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas state.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, and Jackson County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1837 - Jackson County is officially organized as a county.
  • 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jackson County becomes one of its counties.
  • 1850s - The county experiences rapid growth due to the arrival of settlers, primarily from southern states.
  • 1861-1865 - Jackson County is heavily involved in the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Confederacy.
  • 1875 - The first railroad, the New York, Texas and Mexican Railway, reaches Jackson County, boosting the local economy.
  • 1886 - The county seat is moved from Texana to Edna.
  • 1900 - The 1900 Galveston hurricane causes significant damage and loss of life in Jackson County.
  • 1920s-1930s - The discovery of oil leads to a boom in Jackson County's economy.
  • 1940s-1950s - The county experiences a decline in agriculture as the oil industry becomes the primary economic driver.
  • 1970s-Present - Jackson County continues to rely on the oil and gas industry, while also diversifying its economy with manufacturing and agriculture.