Newton County, C.S.A.
Historical marker location:Supply and military center in the Civil War. Target area for Federals trying to move up the Sabine or across Louisiana and take Texas. Confederates built breastworks and maintained arsenal at Burkeville.
Major supply route, "The Old Beef Trail", begun 1823 through area later Newton County. Was a road taken by thousands of cattle being sent from Texas to feed armies and civilians as far eastward as Mobile, Ala. Sabine ferries were equipped with cattle pens: Also ferrymen kept oxen trained to lead herds swimming across the river. Some local beef went eastward, too.
Farrsville, a town founded about 1850 on Cow Creek, had a military campground and corrals furnishing fresh stagecoach teams. Its tanning vats and shops made boots and shoes for the Confederacy. Its water mills ground corn for bread, sawed lumber, ginned cotton-- products used in supplying the South.
The commissioners court made appropriations to outfit military units (buying horses for men unable to furnish their own), aid dependent families, and supply the people with cotton cards to turn the lint into batts for spinning, weaving and knitting.
The county, which had voted 178 to 3 for secession, sent about 400 soldiers into the Confederate army
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
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 Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
In 1836, Newton County was officially established and named after John Newton, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county's geographical location, with its fertile land and proximity to major waterways, attracted many settlers, particularly from Southern states. The region's economy was largely based on agriculture, with cotton and timber being major industries.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of oil and gas brought prosperity to Newton County. The oil boom transformed the county, attracting numerous oil companies, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy. However, the boom eventually declined, leading to a shift back to agriculture and timber as the primary sources of income.
Throughout its history, Newton County has been shaped by both natural and man-made disasters. The county has been prone to hurricanes and floods, with devastating effects on the community. In recent years, efforts have been made to implement flood control measures and improve disaster preparedness.
Today, Newton County remains a rural area with a population that values its rich history and natural beauty. It continues to be a place of agriculture, timber, and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors with its scenic landscapes and wildlife. The county's history and resilience serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its residents and the strength of the community.
Newton County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Newton County, Texas.
- 1846 - Newton County is established by the Texas state legislature.
- 1870s - The county experiences growth due to the expansion of the lumber industry.
- 1904 - A devastating fire destroys a significant portion of the town of Newton.
- 1907 - Bon Wier is established as a sawmill town.
- 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardship to the county.
- 1940 - The Toledo Bend Reservoir is constructed, resulting in the flooding of parts of Newton County.
- 1960s - The construction of the Toledo Bend Dam leads to increased tourism and recreational activities in the county.
- 1990s - Newton County experiences population growth due to its proximity to the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
- 2005 - Hurricane Rita causes significant damage to the county.