Historical Markers in Shelby County, Texas
B. F. Morris and the Town of Joaquin
Bounds-Estes Cemetery
Brookland Cemetery
Buena Vista Cemetery
C. S. A. Texas Muster
Camp Center, World War II Prisoner of War Camp
Corinth Cemetery
Elder William Brittain and Rosanna Wright Brittain
Eva Taylor Lane Home
Excelsior Common School No. 47
Fairview Cemetery
Fellowship Baptist Church
First Baptist Church of Timpson
First Battle - Organized War 1841-1844
First Christian Church of Center
First County Seat of Shelby County
First County Seat of Shelby County
First Methodist Church of Shelbyville
First United Methodist Church Cemetery
First United Methodist Church of Tenaha
George Washington Green
Haley Bush Cemetery
Hutto Cemetery
Joaquin Cemetery
John Joseph Emmett Gibson
John May Cemetery
King-Oates Cemetery
Lone Cedar Cemetery
McClelland Community Church
McWilliams Cemetery
Milton Irish
Moses Fisk Roberts
Mull Cemetery
Myrick's Ferry Log House
Oates Cemetery
Old Salem Cemetery
Patroon Cemetery
Price Cemetery
Ramah Cemetery
Roberts' Hill
Sample Cemetery
Sardis Church
Sardis Methodist Church
Sardis School
Shady Grove Cemetery
Shelby County
Shelby County Courthouse
Sholar Cemetery
Site of the Last Battle
Site of Town of Spivey, 1870s-1900
Site of Truitt Community
Spivey, Site of 1870s-1900 Town of
Strong Cemetery
Sydney O. Pennington
Tennessee Community Cemetery
Tennessee Methodist Church
Tennessee Presbyterian Church
The Bickham House
Timpson
Truitt Cemetery
Westview Cemetery
William Harrison Wall Homestead
Wimberly Cemetery
About Shelby County
Shelby County Timeline
Shelby County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The region was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Atakapa, and Hasinai. The first European explorers, including Spanish and French explorers, arrived in the area in the 18th century. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century that permanent settlement began.
In 1835, the Mexican government granted land in the area to Stephen F. Austin's colony, which attracted many settlers to Shelby County. The county was officially established in 1836 and named after Isaac Shelby, who was the first governor of Kentucky. The county's population grew steadily, and by the mid-19th century, it became a major center for agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop.
During the Civil War, Shelby County, like many other parts of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. It sent many men to fight in the Confederate army, and the local economy suffered from the effects of the war. However, the county rebounded after the war, and by the late 19th century, it experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil and gas reserves.
In the 20th century, Shelby County continued to thrive, with the oil and gas industries playing a significant role in its economy. The county also witnessed significant social and political changes, with the Civil Rights Movement bringing about integration and equal rights for African Americans. Today, Shelby County remains an important agricultural and industrial center, with a mix of rural landscapes and urban developments.
In 1835, the Mexican government granted land in the area to Stephen F. Austin's colony, which attracted many settlers to Shelby County. The county was officially established in 1836 and named after Isaac Shelby, who was the first governor of Kentucky. The county's population grew steadily, and by the mid-19th century, it became a major center for agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop.
During the Civil War, Shelby County, like many other parts of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. It sent many men to fight in the Confederate army, and the local economy suffered from the effects of the war. However, the county rebounded after the war, and by the late 19th century, it experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil and gas reserves.
In the 20th century, Shelby County continued to thrive, with the oil and gas industries playing a significant role in its economy. The county also witnessed significant social and political changes, with the Civil Rights Movement bringing about integration and equal rights for African Americans. Today, Shelby County remains an important agricultural and industrial center, with a mix of rural landscapes and urban developments.
Shelby County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Shelby County, Texas.
- 1823 - Shelby County is established
- 1836 - Shelby County plays a role in the Texas Revolution
- 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, including Shelby County
- 1859 - The Texas State Legislature establishes Center as the county seat of Shelby County
- 1861-1865 - Shelby County is deeply affected by the American Civil War
- 1905 - The discovery of oil leads to economic growth in Shelby County
- 1940s-1950s - Shelby County experiences a decline in population due to rural-to-urban migration
- 1976 - Shelby County celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
- 2000s - Shelby County continues to be home to a diverse and vibrant community