Historical Marker

C.S. Nicks

Historical marker location:
101 West Main, Van, Texas
( Downtown Van on Main Street in garden, the third location west from intersection of State Hwy 16 and FM 110)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Charles Sparkman Nicks was a photographer with a dream, ambition and a talent for inventions. His photographs of the discovery of oil in 1929-1930 Van, Texas, document the birth of this new oil town and preserve its history for future generations. Nicks was born in Tennessee but, in 1900, the family relocated to Galveston, where two brothers, Allen and Eliga, were employed as photographers. When C.S. was 27, he married Jenny Christian and, during World War I, he opened his own photography studio in Nashville, Tennessee. He was offered a better-paying job at Socony Vacuum Company taking pictures of new service stations. While there, C.S. developed a device to accurately measure gasoline. Nicks also developed, along with a fellow engineer, a portable darkroom and a digital read-out meter for gasoline pumps.

Nicks lost his savings in the financial crash of 1929. Seeking employment, he joined his brother, Allen, a photographer in Tyler. Oil had just been discovered in nearby Van, so Nicks opened a studio there. He was the only professional photographer to document Van’s oil discovery and development as a town. He took part in all civic activities and was an organizing officer of the lions club. C.S. Nicks captured the visual history of oil drilling, oil field fires, the confusion and people of boom-town Van and other east Texas towns that would otherwise be lost to time and memory. With his camera he left behind evidence that will live on through his photographs and provide proof of the effort, joys and hardships of the people who influenced the formation of Van

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.

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Texas random facts
Van Zandt County is located in the northeastern part of Texas and has a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. The area was initially settled by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. European settlers began arriving in the late 1830s and early 1840s, establishing communities along rivers and creeks.

The county was officially formed in 1848 and named after Isaac Van Zandt, a politician and diplomat who played a significant role in the establishment of the Republic of Texas. Throughout the mid-19th century, the economy of Van Zandt County was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the dominant crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce to the area.

In the early 20th century, Van Zandt County experienced a boom in oil production, which significantly impacted the local economy. This led to the growth of oil-related industries and the establishment of several oil towns within the county. However, the Great Depression and subsequent decline in oil prices had a detrimental effect on the area, leading to economic challenges during the 1930s and 1940s.

Over the years, Van Zandt County has continued to grow and develop. Today, it boasts a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, and there are several recreational areas such as lakes and state parks that attract visitors. Van Zandt County also has a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals and events celebrating its history and culture.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Van Zandt County, Texas.

  • 1848 - Van Zandt County is established as one of the 36 original counties in Texas.
  • 1850 - The county seat is established in Canton.
  • 1861-1865 - Van Zandt County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
  • 1894 - The construction of the Texas State Railroad reaches Van Zandt County, boosting the local economy.
  • 1900 - An oil boom begins in the county, bringing new growth and prosperity.
  • 1921 - The Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike is completed, connecting Van Zandt County to the metroplex.
  • 1930s-1940s - Van Zandt County suffers from the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II.
  • 1960s-1970s - The county experiences a period of economic growth and population increase.
  • 1980s - The county faces economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
  • 2000 - Canton becomes known for its First Monday Trade Days, attracting visitors from all over the state.