Historical Marker

Colonel Absalom Bishop

Historical marker location:
W. Walnut Street and N. State Street, Decatur, Texas
( Southeast corner of the intersection of W. Walnut Street (100 block) and N. State Street (100 block) on Wise County Courthouse lawn.)
Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27"x 42" with post

COLONEL ABSALOM BISHOP

ABSALOM BISHOP (1804-1883) BEGAN HIS MILITARY SERVICE AS A CAPTAIN OF MILITIA IN THE SEMINOLE WAR IN FLORIDA. HE LATER ATTAINED THE RANK OF COLONEL. BISHOP LIVED IN SEVERAL STATES BEFORE ARRIVING IN HOPKINS COUNTY, TEXAS, IN 1852, AND THEN IN WHAT WOULD BECOME WISE COUNTY IN 1855. ONE YEAR AFTER HIS ARRIVAL, HE WAS SUCCESSFUL IN CONVINCING THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE TO CREATE WISE COUNTY OUT OF COOKE COUNTY. BISHOP WAS ONE OF THE FIRST SETTLERS TO ACQUIRE LAND AT THE TOWNSITE HE HELPED CONVINCE VOTERS TO SELECT AS COUNTY SEAT. HE ORIGINALLY WANTED THE TOWN TO BE CALLED TAYLORSVILLE AFTER GENERAL AND PRESIDENT ZACHARY TAYLOR. HOWEVER, WHEN TAYLOR SWITCHED TO THE WHIG PARTY, BISHOP, A PASSIONATE DEMOCRAT, PERSUADED THE LEGISLATURE TO NAME THE TOWN DECATUR IN HONOR OF U.S. NAVAL HERO STEPHEN DECATUR.

BISHOP BUILT A MERCANTILE STORE WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY BE USED AS A TEMPORARY POST OFFICE AND STAGE STOP ON THE BUTTERFIELD OVERLAND STAGE LINE. THE COLONEL ALONG WITH OTHER WISE COUNTY RESIDENTS CONVINCED THE BUTTERFIELD OVERLAND STAGE LINE OWNERS TO RELOCATE THEIR ROUTE TO RUN THROUGH DECATUR AND ON TO BRIDGEPORT. IN ORDER TO DO SO, THEY OVERSAW THE BUILDING OF BRIDGES OVER DENTON CREEK, SANDY CREEK AND THE WEST FORK OF THE TRINITY RIVER. BY DOING SO, COMMERCE INCREASED AND STAGE TRAVEL FROM DECATUR TO AUSTIN ALSO BECAME A REALITY. COLONEL ABSALOM BISHOP PASSED AWAY ON NOVEMBER 30, 1883, AND WAS BURIED ALONGSIDE HIS WIFE IN OAKLAWN CEMETERY. BISHOP, CALLED “THE FATHER OF WISE COUNTY AND DECATUR,” WAS A COLORFUL FIGURE WHO BROUGHT TO TEXAS A BROAD RANGE OF EXPERIENCE THAT ALLOWED HIM TO HELP MOLD A RAW AND WILD LAND INTO A BUSTLING TOWN AND NEW COUNTY.

(2014)

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

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.

Military
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.