Buena Vista Hotel
123 N. Wetherbee, Stamford, TXThe Buena Vista Hotel is the last remaining example of the family-operated "rooming house" in Stamford. Between 1900 and 1930 many of these small two- and three-story buildings were built to serve the transient labor force associated with the railroad and local industrial operations. All have been demolished, burned, or have been moved away except for the Buena Vista.
The Buena Vista Hotel was built in 1928, by D.D. and Vista Duncan, to capitalize on the local housing needs. The two-story tile structure with brick veneer was built by E. D. Jones, a local contractor, for $9,500. It contained 21 rooms and two baths. Since its construction, it has served faithfully as a rooming house and stands as a reminder of what was once a flourishing "cottage industry" in Stamford.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
In the 1830s, during the Texas Revolution, settlers began to move into the area that would become Jones County. The region was originally part of Bexar County, but in 1858 it became its own county and was named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The county quickly grew with the establishment of farms, ranches, and small towns.
During the American Civil War, Jones County gained notoriety for its unique stance. While most of Texas sided with the Confederacy, Jones County declared itself neutral. This neutrality was mainly motivated by opposition to the Confederacy's conscription policies and the belief that the war was fought for the benefit of the wealthy planters. The county formed its own militia, known as the Jones County Union Guards, and resisted conscription efforts.
After the Civil War, the county experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur economic growth in the area. The town of Anson, the county seat, became an important shipping point for agricultural products. Ranching and farming continued to be the primary industries in the county, with cotton becoming a major cash crop.
In the 20th century, the county continued to thrive, with the discovery of oil and gas deposits providing a boost to the local economy. Today, Jones County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries. The county is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and friendly communities.
Jones County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jones County, Texas.
- 1858 - Jones County is formed from Bexar and Bosque Counties.
- 1861-1865 - Jones County sends troops to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is built through Jones County, bringing economic growth.
- 1890s - The county experiences an oil boom, attracting investors and workers.
- 1928 - The construction of Fort Phantom Hill Dam begins, providing water and hydroelectric power.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Jones County, causing economic hardships.
- 1940s-1950s - Jones County experiences population decline and agricultural challenges.
- 1990s-present - The county sees some economic recovery with the growth of wind energy production.