Henry and Amelia Griffith
Historical marker location:The son of Joshua and Jemimah (Hazelton) Griffith, Pennsylvania native Henry Griffith (c. 1797-1869) moved to Johnson's Bayou near Opelousas, Louisiana, about 1819-20. There he met and married Amelia "Milly" Barrow (c. 1802 -?), daughter of Reuben and Mary Jane (Johnson) Barrow, in 1824. Two years later they moved to this area, which was still under Mexican rule at that time.
In 1830, the Griffiths received a land grant in the Atascosito District, where they reared their family, farmed the land, and raised cattle and horses. In 1835, Henry Griffith sold 1,047 acres of his land to William Duncan, including the big hill on the property, also known as Barber's Hill, which the deed stated would hence be called "Mont Bellview." More than 50 years later, the area was settled enough to warrant a post office, which was named Mont Belvieu. In 1865, Reconstruction-era governor A. J. Hamilton appointed Henry Griffith as sheriff, and he served until 1868, one year prior to his death. Amelia's death date is not known, and neither of their gravestones survives. Oral histories indicate that their burials are near this site, where the original Griffith house once stood. At least two other members of the family are known to be buried there. As citizens of Texas under the flags of Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Confederate States and the United States, Henry and Amelia Griffith bore witness to important events and activities in Texas history. Their significance also lies in their early landholding of the property that became the community of Mont Belvieu. (2001)
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.
In 1824, Thomas Jefferson Chambers, a lawyer and land speculator, was granted a colonization contract for the area, which later became known as Chambers County. He established a settlement called Anahuac, which quickly grew into a thriving port town. However, tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government eventually led to the Anahuac Disturbances in 1832, a series of conflicts over local issues such as trade regulations and land titles.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Chambers County played a significant role. The Battle of Anahuac took place in May of that year, with Texian rebels successfully capturing the Mexican garrison and securing control of the region. After Texas gained independence, Chambers County became part of the Republic of Texas in 1836.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chambers County's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, with cotton and rice being the primary crops. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought a new wave of economic growth to the region. The establishment of several petrochemical plants contributed to the county's industrial development, transforming it into an important hub for the oil and gas industry.
Today, Chambers County continues to evolve and thrive. It is renowned for its natural beauty and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The county's historical significance, coupled with its economic growth, makes it an attractive place to live and visit in Southeast Texas.
Chambers County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Chambers County, Texas.
- 1830s - Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Atakapa are present in the area.
- 1822 - The Mexican government establishes the Municipality of Atascosito, which includes present-day Chambers County.
- 1835-1836 - The Texas Revolution takes place, leading to Texas gaining its independence from Mexico.
- 1836 - Chambers County is officially founded and named after Thomas Jefferson Chambers, a landowner and early settler in the area.
- 1840 - The town of Anahuac becomes the county seat of Chambers County.
- 1850s - Rice becomes an important crop in the county, leading to economic growth.
- 1861-1865 - Chambers County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1875 - The Galveston, Houston, and Henderson Railroad is completed, boosting trade and transportation in the county.
- 1900 - The devastating Galveston Hurricane causes significant damage to Chambers County.
- 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike in nearby Beaumont leads to an oil boom in Chambers County.
- 1933 - The completion of the Intracoastal Waterway greatly benefits the county's shipping and trade industries.
- 1943-1945 - During World War II, the county hosts the Chambers County Airport, which serves as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces.
- 1957 - Chambers County becomes home to the Chambers County Nuclear Power Plant, which operates until 1974.
- 2005 - Chambers County is impacted by Hurricane Rita and experiences significant damage.