Johnson County, Texas

A. A. and Susanna Head Homestead Alvarado Alvarado Glenwood Cemetery Alvarado Masonic Lodge No. 314 A.F. & A.M. Alvarado School, Church and Union Building, Site of Baker-Lain Cemetery Balch Cemetery Balch-Senterwood Cemetery Bennett Home on the Chisholm Trail Bethany Rest Cemetery Bethel Salter A.M.E. Church Bethesda Cemetery Bethesda Community Bruce-Davis House Cahill Methodist Church Carnegie Library Building Church of the Holy Comforter City Wagon Yards Cleburne Lodge No. 315, A.F. & A.M. Cleburne Town Square Confederate Soldiers Duke Cemetery Early Cattle Trade Emory Home Field Street Baptist Church First Baptist Church of Alvarado First Baptist Church of Burleson First Baptist Church Of Cleburne First Baptist Church of Godley First Methodist Church First United Methodist Church, Cleburne Godley School Grandview Cemetery and Original Grand View Town Site Grandview Masonic Lodge Grange Hall Cemetery Greenbrier Baptist Church Haley-Smith Cemetery Henry Briden Cabin John L. and Annie Upshaw Cleveland House Johnson County Johnson County Courthouse Johnson County Feeders Supply Johnson County Pioneers and Old Settlers Reunion Johnson County Sheriff's Posse Johnson, Middleton T., Colonel; Cleburne, Patrick R., General Joiner-Long House Lake Pat Cleburne Little Old House Lowell Smith Home Market Square Marystown Cemetery Menefee Reunion Meredith Hart House Methodism in Joshua Mizpah Gate Myers Cemetery Oliver Perry Arnold (1826-1905) Outlaws Benjamin Bickerstaff and Josiah Thompson Pat Cleburne Camp No. 88, UCV Pioneer Texas Telephones Prairie Springs Cemetery Renfro-Clark House Riggs Pennington Home Rio Vista Sam Bass Holdup Site of Buchanan Site of Ezell-McLeroy Cotton Gin Site of Norman Springs & Norman Grove Site of Old Picnic Grounds Site of Red Oak Academy Site of the Old City Spring Site of Wardville Southwest Metroplex Baptist Association The Interurban in Burleson The Texas World War II Home Front Town of Grandview Union Hill Presbyterian Church and Cemetery Unity Cemetery Watts Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery Wilkinson Family Cemetery Yellow Jacket Stadium

Johnson County, located in North Central Texas, has a rich history that stretches back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche, who utilized the fertile land and nearby water sources for hunting and agriculture. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to migrate to the area, bringing with them new technologies and a desire to establish a community.

The establishment of Johnson County can be traced back to 1854 when it was officially organized and named after Middleton Tate Johnson, a Texas Ranger and a Confederate commander during the Civil War. The county quickly began to grow, attracting settlers from nearby areas due to its abundant natural resources and favorable climate for agriculture. Cotton and corn became the primary crops, and the county's economy thrived, aided by the construction of railroads in the late 1800s.

Throughout its history, Johnson County has faced both triumphs and challenges. In the late 1800s, the county was known for its fertile soil and large cotton plantations, which contributed to its economic prosperity. However, like many areas in the South, Johnson County also experienced the hardships of Reconstruction following the Civil War. Additionally, the destructive effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s had a significant impact on the local economy, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.

In recent decades, Johnson County has seen significant growth and development. With an expanding population and a diverse economy, the county has become a hub for industry, commerce, and residential communities. Today, it continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while adapting to the changing needs of its residents. Johnson County's historical legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people, allowing the county to thrive and face the future with confidence.
Brief timeline of the history of Johnson County, Texas:

  • 1846: Johnson County is established as a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1861-1865: Johnson County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1867: The county experiences economic growth as the Chisholm Trail passes through, bringing cattle drives and trade.
  • 1879: The town of Cleburne is established as the county seat.
  • 1880s: The arrival of the railroad boosts the local economy and facilitates transportation.
  • 1893: The Johnson County Courthouse is constructed in Cleburne, becoming a local landmark.
  • 1920s: The county suffers from the Great Depression, causing economic hardships for its residents.
  • 1940s: Johnson County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the military.
  • 1950s-1960s: The county experiences population growth and suburbanization.
  • 1990s: The opening of the Chisholm Trail Parkway provides improved transportation and connectivity.

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