Historical Markers in
Montague County, Texas

1927 Montague County Jail Belcherville Schools Briar Creek Cemetery Brushy Cemetery Brushy Mound Butterfield Overland Stage Line Crossing Center Point Cemetery Central Christian Church City of Bowie Cumberland Presbyterian Church Dye Mound Cemetery Dye Mound School Early Trails in Montague County Elmwood Cemetery Farmers and Merchants National Bank First Baptist Church of Bowie First Baptist Church of Nocona First Christian Church of Bowie First National Bank of Bowie First National Bank of Saint Jo Forestburg Fruitland Schools Head of Elm (Saint Jo) Head of Elm Cemetery Highways Paved With Gold Home County of Governor James V. Allred (March 29, 1899-Sept. 24, 1959) Illinois Bend Illinois Bend Cemetery Illinois Bend Memorial Cemetery Illinois Bend School Lindale Cemetery M. Johnson Poultry Ranch McGrady Cemetery Molsbee Chapel Cemetery Montague Catholic Cemetery Montague Cemetery Montague County Montague County Courthouse Montague County Poor Farm Montague County Trails Montague Pioneer Memorial North Nocona Oil Field - Montague County Oil Discovery, 1922 Pelham Park Perryman Cemetery Queen's Peak Indian Lookout Red River Station Red River Station Rural Schools-Dye Mound Rural Schools-Fruitland Rural Schools-Illinois Bend Salona Cemetery Site of the 1759 Taovayo Victory Over Spain Spanish Fort Spanish Fort, Red River Station St. Peter Lutheran Church Starkey Cemetery Stonewall Saloon The Phillips House Town of Saint Jo United Methodist Church of Montague Uz Community Valley View Baptist Church
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Montague County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Caddo tribes, who relied on the land's resources for sustenance. In the early 1830s, European settlers began to arrive, establishing permanent settlements and bringing significant changes to the region.

The county's namesake, Daniel Montague, arrived in the area in 1854 and became one of the first permanent settlers. Montague County was officially established and organized in 1858, with Montague serving as its first county seat. However, due to ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes and accessibility issues, many of the early settlements faced challenges in their development.

The discovery of oil and gas reserves in Montague County in the early 1900s brought significant economic development to the region. This led to an increase in population and infrastructure, and the county experienced a boom in oil production during the mid-20th century. The county's economy diversified over time to include agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, contributing to its growth and stability.

Today, Montague County is known for its picturesque scenery, with rolling hills, vast prairies, and scenic rivers attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The county also celebrates its history through its various museums, historical landmarks, and annual events, preserving the heritage and culture of the area for future generations to appreciate.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Montague County, Texas.

  • 1857: Montague County is established by the Texas legislature
  • 1860: The first county courthouse is built in the town of Montague
  • 1861-1865: Montague County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War
  • 1874: The town of Saint Jo is founded
  • 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway extends into Montague County, promoting economic growth
  • 1884: The town of Nocona is established
  • 1900: The Montague County courthouse burns down and is subsequently rebuilt
  • 1930s: The Great Depression and Dust Bowl impact the county, causing economic hardship
  • 1957: The Montague County Courthouse is again destroyed by fire but is reconstructed
  • 2000: The county experiences population growth and ongoing development