Limestone County, Texas

Abram Anglin Albert R. Mace Alfonso Steel Allan Jefferson Rogers Armour Cemetery Azariah G. Moore Bassett House Big Hill Cemetery Billington Cemetery Booker T. Washington Park Brown Family Cemetery Charles Q. Haley Civilian Conservation Corps at Fort Parker State Park Cobb Cemetery Cox Cemetery Early Mexia Home Eaton Cemetery Ebenezer Baptist Church and Cemetery Eutaw Faulkenberry Cemetery Ferguson Cemetery First Baptist Church of Groesbeck First Baptist Church of Mexia First Methodist Church of Groesbeck First Methodist Church of Groesbeck First Presbyterian Church of Mexia Focke Gin, Old (BURNED) Fort Parker Fort Parker Memorial Park Groesbeck Independent School District Groesbeck Lodge No. 354, A.F. & A.M. Gunter Cemetery Henry-Martin-Dorsett House Home County of Lafayette Lumpkin Foster James Alfred Head James Alfred Head John Karner John Sadler Joseph F. Johnston Reunion Grounds Joseph Penn Lynch Joseph W. Stubenrauch Kimik Kiln King-Williams Cemetery Kirk Kosse Tabernacle L. P. Smith House Leonard Williams Limestone County Limestone County Courthouse Lost Prairie Cemetery and Church Martin House McKenzie Cemetery McKenzie Cemetery Mexia Oil Boom Miss Rogers' Music Room Moss Home, Old (razed) Mount Calm Cemetery Mrs. Martha Rogers Mrs. Mary E. Reeves Mt. Antioch Cemetery Munger Community Oakes Cemetery Odds Community Old Potter's Shop Old Sandy Creek Cemetery Old Springfield Old Springfield Cemetery Old Union Community Origin of the Texas State Teachers Association Personville Personville Cemetery Plummer Cemetery Potter Shop, The Prairie Hill Baptist Church Prairie Hill Cemetery Robert M. Love Sanders Walker Sansom/Wedgman Cemetery Seth H. Bates Shiloh Baptist Church Sion Roberts Site of Dunbar High School Site of Oletha Common School St. John's A. M. E. Church Tehuacana Tehuacana Cemetery Thornton Schools Tidwell (Steele Creek) Cemetery and Community Town Named for Gen. Jose Antonio Mexia Trinity University United Methodist Church of Coolidge Vinson Cemetery William Rees Zada Jane Sanders Kelly

Limestone County, Texas, is located in the central part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tawakoni and the Kickapoo. In the early 1830s, settlers from the United States began to arrive in the area, drawn by the fertile land and abundance of natural resources.

In 1833, Limestone County was officially established and named after a large limestone formation found in the region. The county quickly became an important agricultural center, with settlers growing cotton, corn, and wheat. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and led to the growth of several towns, including Mexia and Groesbeck.

Limestone County experienced its share of hardships throughout its history. During the Civil War, the county faced economic challenges as many men left to fight in the conflict. Reconstruction brought further difficulties, with tensions rising between white settlers and newly freed African Americans. However, the county rebounded from these challenges, and by the late 19th century, Limestone County was known for its thriving agricultural industry and successful businesses.

Today, Limestone County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy. The county is also home to several historical sites, including Fort Parker State Park, which preserves the history of the Fort Parker settlement and the abduction of Cynthia Ann Parker by Native Americans. Limestone County's rich history and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Brief timeline of the history of Limestone County, Texas:

  • 1833 - Limestone County is established as part of Mexican Texas
  • 1836 - Texas becomes independent from Mexico
  • 1846 - Limestone County is formally organized
  • 1860s - County experiences growth due to the expansion of the railroad network
  • 1873 - Groesbeck is chosen as the county seat
  • 1880s - Cotton and corn become major crops in the county
  • 1903 - First oil well is drilled in Limestone County
  • 1930s - County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression
  • 1940s - World War II brings economic recovery and increased population
  • 1950s - Local agricultural sector declines, but the oil industry continues to thrive
  • 1970s - County experiences economic growth with the opening of lignite coal mines
  • 1980s - Lignite coal industry declines, impacting the local economy
  • 2000s - County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism

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