Historical Marker

Henderson Yoakum

Historical marker location:
Ave. I, Huntsville, Texas
( Oakwood Cemetery. Near the corner of 9th Street and Avenue I and the Sam Houston Memorial gravesite.)
Marker installed: 1976
Marker size: 18" x 28"

(September 6, 1810 - November 30, 1856) A graduate of the United States Military Academy (1832), Henderson Yoakum saw duty on frontiers and in the Mexican War. He practiced law and served in the Senate in his native Tennessee, moving to Texas in 1845. In Huntsville he became a civic leader and friend of Sam Houston. Joining fellow citizens in establishing Austin College, he became that school's first librarian and a teacher of law. In 1855, after years of work, he published a comprehensive, two-volume history of Texas. He and his wife Eveline (Cannon) had nine children. Descendants are still active in cultural life of Texas. (1976)

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.
Texas random facts
Walker County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who lived off the land and hunted in the dense forests. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant wildlife.

In 1836, Walker County was officially established and named after Samuel Hamilton Walker, a Texas Ranger captain who died in the Mexican-American War. The county became a hub for trade and commerce, with the town of Huntsville serving as the county seat. The early residents engaged in farming, ranching, and timber industries, which became the backbone of the local economy.

During the Civil War, Walker County played a significant role as a major supplier of food and provisions to the Confederate army. However, the county also faced its share of hardships, including raids by Union troops and the devastation caused by the war. After the war, Walker County experienced a period of reconstruction and gradual recovery.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Walker County saw significant progress and development. The expansion of railroads brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, and the discovery of oil in the early 1900s further boosted the local economy. In recent decades, Walker County has continued to grow and evolve, embracing modern industries while preserving its unique heritage and natural beauty. Today, the county is known for its thriving educational institutions, correctional facilities, and vibrant community.

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

  • 1836: Walker County is established
  • 1846: Huntsville becomes the county seat
  • 1861: Walker County residents vote for secession from the Union
  • 1870: The Houston and Great Northern Railroad reaches Huntsville
  • 1900: The town of New Waverly is incorporated
  • 1936: Sam Houston State Teachers College is established
  • 1965: The Texas Department of Corrections is established in Huntsville
  • 1970: San Jacinto Mall opens in Baytown
  • 1999: The City of Huntsville celebrates its 150th anniversary
  • 2007: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice moves its headquarters to Huntsville