La Recluta and La Escuelita
Historical marker location:La Recluta and La Escuelita
Jose Leal received six leagues of land in this area in 1833. In 1867, coal was discovered, and the railroad reached Rockdale in 1874. Not until 1890 did the first coal mine, owned by Herman Vogel, begin operation. Others opened, and more settlers came looking for work.
Many workers came from Mexico, leaving behind a revolution. These immigrants settled on land owned by E.A. Camp. They sharecropped, growing enough for themselves, and worked in the mines. They named their settlement, just north of the International-Great Northern Railroad tracks, La Recluta, or "recruitment." Family names represented here include Ruiz, Flores, Casarez, Zapata, Aldama, Montoya and Lumbreras. The men, like many other industry workers at the time, received their pay in tokens, which were redeemable only for mine commissary purchases and doctor visits.
Several men were trapped in an International Mine Company cave-in in 1913. Eight men and one mule awaited rescue for six days; one man did not survive. Yards away from the collapsed mine entrance is La Escuelita, the small schoolhouse built for the children of the community. Classes were taught in English, although most students spoke Spanish at home. As part of the Talbott Ridge School District, the students transferred to Rockdale schools in 1944, when the districts consolidated. In 1946, Rockdale merchants donated benches to La Escuelita building. In 1953, the school was deeded to the St. Joseph's Cemetery Association, the support group for the community's cemetery, where nearly 300 gravestones tell the stories of La Recluta's families, many of whom remain in the area.
(2002)
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.
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
In 1825, the Mexican government issued land grants in the region, attracting a wave of American immigrants to the area. In 1834, the Mexican government designated Milam County as a separate municipality, and it was named after Benjamin Rush Milam, a prominent Texas revolutionary. After the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region experienced continuous growth and development.
During the mid-19th century, agriculture became the primary industry in Milam County, with cotton being the dominant crop. Many plantations were established, relying on slave labor until the abolition of slavery in 1865. The county also saw the establishment of several small towns, including Cameron, Rockdale, and Buckholts, which served as centers of trade and commerce.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the arrival of the railroad played a significant role in the county's development. The expansion of rail lines allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, boosting the local economy. The county experienced periods of prosperity and setbacks, including the Great Depression, but managed to rebound and adapt to changing economic conditions.
Today, Milam County remains an agricultural hub, known for its production of cotton, corn, and livestock. It is also home to scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and a vibrant community that values its history and heritage. The county continues to evolve, embracing new opportunities while preserving its cultural roots.
Milam County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Milam County, Texas.
- 1824 - Milam County is part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas
- 1837 - The Republic of Texas establishes Milam County as a separate entity
- 1846 - Milam County is officially part of the state of Texas after the Texas Annexation
- 1860s - Milam County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to the railroad expansion
- 1874 - Cameron is selected as the county seat of Milam County
- 1940s-1950s - Milam County becomes an important hub for oil and gas production
- 1960s-1970s - Milam County faces economic decline due to the decrease in oil and gas production
- 1990s - Milam County experiences some economic revitalization through tourism and the establishment of new industries