Jasper County, Texas

Alamo Wall and Bulldog Stadium Andrew F. Smyth Home Antioch Primitive Baptist Church Beaty-Orton House Beech Grove Baptist Church Belle-Jim Hotel Bevilport Boyett-McLemore Family Cemetery Bridges House Byerlys Camp Ground Cemetery Campground Cemetery Davis Cemetery Dewitt Clinton Lodge No. 29 A.F. & A.M. Dixie Baptist Church Dr. Stephen H. Everitt Ebenezer Cemetery Ebenezer Methodist Church Everett, Dr. Stephen, Home of First Baptist Church of Jaspser First United Methodist Church of Buna First United Methodist Church of Jasper Friendship Cemetery Hamilton Cemetery Hardy Pace Home Homer Community Cemetery Homer Methodist Church Ivory Joe Hunter Jasper County Jasper County Courthouse Jasper County, C. S. A. Jasper "News-Boy" Jasper Public Schools Jasper Steers Kirbyville, Town of, Site of Town Lot Auction Little Hope Cemetery Little Hope Primitive Baptist Church Magnolia Springs Cemetery Magnolia Springs "Spring Hill" Community Cemetery New Cherry Grove Baptist Church Norsworthy-Kellie Homestead, "Glorianna" Olds Cemetery Original Town Site of Zavala Peachtree Baptist Church Pinetucky R. C. Doom House Site of Former Settlement of Richardson's Bluff Site of J.H. Rowe School Site of the First Kirbyville Church Site of the Town of Bevilport Smyth, George W., Home of Springhill Missionary Baptist Church Stephen Williams Stephen Williams, Sr. Tavern Oak Tavern Oak Thomas Holmes Waggoner-Scarborough Home Wiess Bluff William J. Withers Home Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Cemetery

Jasper County, Texas has a rich history dating back many centuries. The land where Jasper County now stands was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapan and Alabama-Coushatta peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 19th century, primarily from other parts of the southern United States.

Jasper County was officially established on February 1, 1836, just weeks before the independence of Texas from Mexico. The county was named after William Jasper, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. In the early days of the county, logging and farming were the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth and development of Jasper County.

The county experienced significant changes during the 20th century. The discovery of oil in the East Texas Oil Field in the early 1930s brought an economic boom to Jasper County, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the area also faced challenges, including racial tension and civil rights struggles during the mid-20th century.

Today, Jasper County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including oil and gas, timber, agriculture, and tourism. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Angelina National Forest and the serene waters of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Jasper, the county seat, serves as a hub for commerce and government activities. The history and heritage of Jasper County are celebrated through various cultural events and museums, ensuring that its past remains an integral part of its present and future.
Brief timeline of the history of Jasper County, Texas:

  • 1835 - Jasper County is established on February 1st.
  • 1846 - The county seat is moved from Bevilport to Jasper.
  • 1861-1865 - Jasper County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway is built through Jasper County.
  • 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike near Beaumont triggers an oil boom in the area, benefiting Jasper County.
  • 1950s-1970s - The construction of Sam Rayburn Reservoir boosts the county's economy and recreational opportunities.
  • 1996 - Jasper County experiences racial tension and protests following the murder of James Byrd Jr.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jasper County, Texas.