Louise Methodist Church
Historical marker location:The town of Louise was founded in 1881 on the route of the New York, Texas and Mexican railway. Named for the daughter of railroad director D. E. Hungerford, it soon became a shipping and marketing center for this area.
In 1891, ten years after the town was founded, The Rev. John Ovall, a missionary from Victoria, called a meeting of Methodists in the area to organize a church. Named Louise Methodist Church, the congregation built its first house of worship in 1893. The building also served as the public schoolhouse and as a community gathering place for a number of years. Moved to this site in 1940, the church structure has undergone several remodeling projects to accommodate the growing congregation.
Throughout its history, the Louise Methodist Church has shared clergy with other churches in its circuit, including those in El Campo, Ganado, Cordele, Lolita, and Garwood.
An important part of the history of the town of Louise, this church continues to serve the community with a variety of worship, educational, and outreach programs. Descendants of the congregation's first families are still counted among the membership
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 University of Texas at Austin, founded in 1883, is one of the largest universities in the United States and has produced many notable alumni, including several U.S. presidents.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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