Frazarville
Historical marker location:Near this site once stood the community of Frazarville, founded in 1857 by Dr. Isaac James Frazar and his father, Col. James Watson Frazar. A locust infestation and Comanche raids force them to move from Cibolo Creek in Bexar County to this site, just over the Wharton County line. Dr. Isaac James Frazar practiced medicine in Eagle Lake. His son, James Azariah Frazar, developed the community of Frazarville into several businesses that included a general store, cotton gin, and a blacksmith shop. James Watson Frazar’s other son, George Watson Frazar, remained in Bexar County as Sheriff and Texas Ranger.
James Azariah Frazar also owned bank stock in Henrietta, Clay County. When the bank began to fail, in 1889, James moved his family to Henrietta to become president of the bank. He served successfully for five years, continuing his interests in Frazarville until 1892. His sister, Annie Gertrude Frazar, and her descendents continued to own portions of the Frazarville property. Several Family members are buried in the Frazar Family Cemetery near this site, including Isaac James Frazar, His wife, Almira Kimbro Frazar, and Annie Gertrude Frazar. The James Watson Frazar family was followed by brother Micajah Frazar and family to Matthews and Eagle Lake, where the Frazar Opera House was built.
The Frazar ancestors originally arrived from Inverness, Scotland, to North Carolina in 1678. They owned plantations in North Carolina, Alabama (later Mississippi), Tennessee and Texas. Their migration across the South exemplified many other Scottish journeys to Texas made in the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
(2015)
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 world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
In 1846, the Texas legislature established Wharton County, named after brothers William Harris Wharton and John Austin Wharton, who were prominent figures in the Texas Revolution. The county was officially organized in 1848, with the town of Wharton selected as the county seat. The growth of the county was fueled by the development of the railroads, which provided transportation for agricultural products such as cotton, corn, and cattle.
During the Civil War, Wharton County was heavily affected by the conflict. Many of the county's residents supported the Confederacy, with several military units being raised in the area. However, the county also had a significant number of Union sympathizers, leading to tensions and conflicts within the community. After the war, the county gradually recovered and experienced economic growth, with new industries such as oil and gas exploration contributing to its prosperity.
Today, Wharton County is a diverse community with a strong agricultural base. The county is known for its rice and cattle production, as well as its oil and gas industries. It is also home to several historical sites, including the Wharton County Courthouse, which was built in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its rich history and thriving economy, Wharton County continues to be an important part of Texas's cultural and economic landscape.
Wharton County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Wharton County, Texas.
- 1846: Wharton County is established by the Texas legislature
- 1848: The first settlements are established in the county
- 1849: The town of Wharton is founded and becomes the county seat
- 1850: The population of the county is 1,075
- 1861-1865: Wharton County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1881: The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway reaches Wharton County
- 1900: The Galveston hurricane devastates the county, causing widespread destruction
- 1930: The county's population reaches its peak at 39,195
- 1965: The construction of the Wharton County Junior College is completed
- 1985: The county courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places