Levingston Shipbuilding Company and Edward T. Malloy
Historical marker location:In 1859, three brothers, Samuel, David and John Levingston, arrived in Orange from Ireland and purchased an existing shipyard, where they built wooden ships for more than thirty years. The son of Samuel Levingston, "Captain" George Levingston, established his own shipbuilding business in 1919-1920. In 1930, Levingston purchased five acres at Front and Mill Streets in Orange, enlarging his operation, and Levingston Shipbuilding Company operated from this location fro the remainder of its existence. Incorporation in 1933 sustained the company during the slow economic times of the 1930s. Edward T. Malloy was hired in 1939 as a general manager, and stayed with the company for thirty-seven years, becoming president of the company when he bought the controlling interest in 1945. World War II brought a vast influx of business--the company had begun construction of military vessels before the United States entered the war, and continued to be a major supplier for the Army and Navy during the duration. Levingston Shipbuilding delivered its first vessel for the war effort, a 530-ton steel tugboat named Tuscarora on December 13, 1941. Between 1941 and 1945, Levingston built and delivered a total of 160 vessels for the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army including tugs, tankers, barges and ocean going rescue tugs. After World War II, Levingston Shipbuilding changed with the economic times and became a worldwide leader in the design, engineering and construction of off-shore drilling rigs, jack-up platforms, and self-propelled drilling ships. Levingston Shipbuilding was the only U.S. builder of all five types of offshore drilling rigs until it cesed operations in 1985. (2008) Marker Is Property of the State of Texas
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.
Spanish explorers first arrived in the area in the 16th century, and French explorers followed shortly after. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent European settlement began in the present-day Orange County. The region became a part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and during the mid-1800s, the area attracted an influx of immigrants, primarily from the southern United States, seeking fertile land for farming.
The establishment of a port on the Sabine River in the mid-19th century greatly contributed to the growth and development of Orange County. The town of Orange was founded in 1836, and the advent of steamboats allowed for increased trade and transportation. The region's economy prospered with the lumber industry becoming a major player. Sawmills and logging camps emerged, and Orange County became a leading producer of timber.
In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and the subsequent establishment of oil refineries provided an economic boost to Orange County. The region attracted oil companies and their employees, leading to rapid growth and increased prosperity. Today, Orange County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes industries such as petrochemicals, shipbuilding, agriculture, and tourism, while still preserving its historical roots and cultural heritage.
Orange County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Orange County, Texas.
- 1690 - The area now known as Orange County was explored by Spanish explorers.
- 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, and the region becomes part of Mexico.
- 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico, and Orange County becomes a part of the Republic of Texas.
- 1852 - Orange County is officially established as a county in the state of Texas.
- 1861-1865 - Orange County, like the rest of Texas, is a part of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
- 1895 - The city of Orange is incorporated.
- 1901 - The Spindletop oil field is discovered near Orange, leading to an economic boom in the area.
- 1903 - The City of Orange Heights is incorporated.
- 1938 - The American Bridge Company opens a shipyard in Orange, contributing to the area's growth.
- 1951 - The Mauriceville education system is consolidated into the Little Cypress Consolidated Independent School District.
- 1973 - The City of West Orange is incorporated.