Historical Marker

Site of the Old Town of Texana

Historical marker location:
Edna, Texas
( from Edna, go SE 4.5 miles SH 111, go left at FM Loop 1822, Lavaca-Navidad Riv. Authority)
Marker installed: 1936
Marker size: 1936 Centennial Marker (gray granite)

Founded in 1834 by Dr. F. F. Wells, personal friend of Stephen F. Austin. County seat of Jackson County from 1835-1883.

Old home of Capt. Clark L. Owen of Civil War fame.

Here the following were first organized in Jackson County: Methodist Church in 1838, Masonic Lodge in 1852, Presbyterian Church in 1855

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.

land surveys, land companies, promotional towns ghost towns
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.