Perrin Log Cabin
William Perrin and his wife, Charlotte, along with two other families, left Rock Castle, Kentucky in the fall of 1853, arriving forty days later in the Peters Colony near Dallas. They moved west again, arriving in Wise County on Christmas Eve 1854 and settling on 160 acres southeast of Decatur. They sold that land in 1860 to blacksmith Joseph Dannelley for $1,000. The Perrins located this homestead south of town on the banks of Martin’s Branch and Center Creek, along the eastern boundary of the Samuel Isaacs survey. Here they built this two-room dogtrot log cabin sometime between 1855 and 1861. In 1861, Perrin obtained clear title to the land by paying Samuel Smith of Walker County $960 for 320 acres. The warranty deed cites “so as to include the residence and farm of said Perrin.”
The Perrin family lived in the house continuously from its construction until 1990. Upon the death of William Perrin in 1875, his son, Temoleon (T. Perrin), became the owner, and later grandson Earl Perrin acquired the house and land. Around 1940, Earl covered the house with siding, effectively preserving the log cabin and protecting it from the elements for decades. The historic cabin was restored in 2007 based on historic photographs and architectural evidence. Original materials utilized in the restoration included the original stones for the fireplace, original chinks and nearby clay for daubing, and original logs for the v-notch walls, rafters, and floor supports. The cabin is the most intact structure of its kind in Wise County, being the only double log cabin restored and still at its original location. It is a testament to pioneer craftsmanship and the memory of a pioneering family
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.
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
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.
Wise County Timeline
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.