Historical Markers in
Wise County, Texas

A. H. Fortenberry Alvord Lodge No. 512, A. F. & A. M. Anneville School Audubon Aurora Cemetery Babb Cemetery Ball Knob Cemetery Battle of the Knobs Bridgeport Coal Mines Bridgeport Lodge No. 587, A.F. & A.M. Brown Hotel Butterfield Overland Stage Line Captain George Stevens Cattle Trail Crossing Charles Vernon Terrell Chisholm Trail City of Alvord Colonel Absalom Bishop Cottondale Dallas, Pacific & Southeastern Railway Decatur Baptist College Decatur First United Methodist Church Deep Creek Community Dr. M. W. Matthews Dr. William Renshaw Eagle Mountain Lake MCAS Auxiliary (Rhome Field) East Mount Cemetery and School East Side Elementary School El Castile (Old Waggoner Home) Episcopal Mission of the Ascension First Baptist Church Bridgeport First Baptist Church of Chico First Baptist Church of Decatur First Christian Church of Paradise First National Bank in Rhome First National Bank of Decatur First Presbyterian Church of Bridgeport First United Methodist Church Alvord First United Methodist Church of Bridgeport Flat Rock Cemetery General Ernest O. Thompson George Lafayette Ramsdale George Lawton Bledsoe Gose Trees Greenwood Greenwood Masonic Lodge #779 Hanna-Robinson-Richey Drugstore Hopewell Baptist Church Hopewell Cemetery Huff Family Massacre Hunt, Col. William Hudson Hyde Cemetery Indian Captives Dot and Bianca Babb Keeter Cemetery Lake Bridgeport Lake Bridgeport WWII Training Site "Machine Gun" Kelley Masonic Lodge #479 Mount Zion Baptist Church and Jonestown Cemetery New Salem Freewill Baptist Church Oak Grove United Methodist Church Oak Lawn Cemetery Old Campsite of Jesse and Frank James Old Stone Prison Olive Branch Cemetery Paschall Perrin Log Cabin Pleasant Grove Cemetery #1 Pleasant Grove No. 2 Cemetery, School and Church Preskitt Cemetery R. C. Mount House Randolph (Uncle Ran) Vesey Randolph Vesey Republic of Texas' Santa Fe Expedition in Wise County Rhoads Family Cemetery Robert Calvin Mount Rush Creek Community Cemetery S. W. Tilghman House Sam Woody's Cabin Samuel G. Evetts Sand Hill Community Siddons-Barnes Log Cabin Site of Draco Site of First Post Office in Wise County, Odessa Site of Old Town Paradise Site of Wise County Poor Farm & Cemetery Slidell St. John Missionary Baptist Church St. John the Baptizer Catholic Church Teague Cemetery Texas Ranger Captain Ira Long Texas Tourist Camp Complex The Methodist Church in Chico Thurmond-Fairview Cemetery Toll Bridge & Old Bridgeport Trimble Cemetery United Methodist Church of Rhome Waggoner Cemetery Willow Point Cemetery Wise County Courthouse Wise County Messenger Wise County Reunion Wise County, C.S.A.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Texas random facts
Wise County is located in northern Texas and has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1856. The area was initially occupied by indigenous tribes such as the Kiowa and Wichita before European settlement began. The county was named after Henry A. Wise, a Governor of Virginia who supported Texas' annexation.

In the early years, Wise County was primarily used for ranching and farming due to its fertile soil and abundant water supply. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway in the late 1800s brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce, spurring economic growth in the region.

During the Civil War, Wise County remained divided between Unionists and Confederates, leading to some conflict within the county. After the war, the discovery of coal deposits in the area led to the establishment of coal mining towns, including Newark and Rhome. These towns ushered in a new era of industrialization and attracted more settlers to the county in search of employment.

In the early 20th century, Wise County experienced a decline in coal mining due to competition from other energy sources. However, the discovery of oil in the 1920s sparked a new economic boom. Today, Wise County remains a hub for oil and gas production, contributing significantly to the local economy. It also boasts a diverse agricultural industry and has become a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wise County, Texas.

  • 1856 - Wise County is established and named after Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise.
  • 1860 - The first post office, called Taylorsville, is established in the county.
  • 1867 - The county's first courthouse is built in Decatur, the county seat.
  • 1873 - The Wise County Old Settlers Association is founded to preserve the county's history.
  • 1882 - The Wise County Messenger, the county's oldest newspaper, is established.
  • 1883 - The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is completed, connecting Wise County to major cities.
  • 1905 - The county's second courthouse, a grand Neoclassical building, is completed.
  • 1920 - The oil boom hits Wise County, leading to increased drilling and economic growth.
  • 1927 - The county's third courthouse, a Modern Classical structure, is completed.
  • 1969 - Lake Bridgeport, a reservoir, is completed, providing water recreation opportunities.
  • 2000 - The population of Wise County reaches over 48,000 people.
  • 2015 - The Wise County Heritage Museum is established to showcase the county's history.