Hill County, Texas

Abbott Abbott Baptist Church Abbott Cemetery Abbott House Abbott Schools Abbott United Methodist Church Abbott's Grove Bass Fishing in Texas Birome Blum Cemetery Boesch House Bond's Alley Brin House Bynum School Carver Homestead Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ of Hillsboro) City of Hillsboro Col. Leonard Williams Condor House Confederate Veterans and Old Settlers Reunion Grounds Cottonwood Cemetery Covington Cemetery Czech Settlers in Hill County Davis Home Derden Cemetery Dodson Cemetery Erected in Memory of Phillip Nolan Eureka Cemetery Fairview Cemetery Files, David, Home (razed) Files, F. Marion, Home First Baptist Church of Hillsboro First Baptist Church of Mt. Calm First Methodist Church of Hubbard First Presbyterian Church of Itasca Fort Graham Fort Graham Cemetery Frazierville Community and School Gathings College Gebhardt Bakery George L. and Roxie Brooks Porter Home George Washington Savage German Settlers in Hill County Graham-Mason Cemetery Gus Bailey Hammel's Branch Hill County Hill County Courthouse Hill County Jail Hill county, C.S.A. Hillboro Junior College Hillsboro City Cemetery Hillsboro Post Office Building Historic Bank Site Hometown of Tris Speaker Hot Mineral Water Well Hubbard Hubbard City News Hubbard High School Huron Itasca Railroad Depot Ivy-Atchison Pioneer Home J. T. Baker House J. W. Freeland J. W. Park Home James L. Harris Jesse Walling John A. Kimberlin Residence John C. Walling John P. Cox Katy Depot Kerby Community King Memorial United Methodist Church L.C. McKamie Lackawanna Ranch Lebanon United Methodist Church Lumpkin House McDaniel Family Home McKinnon - Anderson House Mertens Baptist Church Mt. Calm Methodist Church Nathaniel Addison Old Brandon Mill Old Carr Ranch Old G. D. Tarlton House Old Lebanon Cemetery Peabody School Peoria Cemetery Peoria Cumberland Presbyterian Church Pioneer Bank Building Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church Prairie Dale Cemetery Prairie Valley Community Richland Cemetery Rigsby Home Salem Cemetery Salem Cemetery Salem Lutheran Church Scott's Chapel Cemetery Sims-Womack House Site of Arnotville School Site of Early Cattle Trail Site of Fort Smith Site of Old Lexington Village Site of Switzer College Southwestern Presbyterian Home and School for Orphans Spivey Crossing St. Mary's Episcopal Church Taylor, J.A., Home (MARKER GONE) The Savage Schools Towash Town of Aquilla Town of Penelope Turner House Whitney Whitney Memorial Park Whitney Messenger Woodbury Missionary Baptist Church

Hill County, located in Central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the region before European settlement. The area was primarily occupied by the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes, who relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance. However, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century marked the beginning of significant changes for Hill County.

In the early 1800s, settlers from the United States began to arrive in Hill County, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The Republic of Texas was established in 1836, and Hill County was founded in 1853, named after Dr. George Washington Hill, an early settler and land surveyor. The county seat was initially established in Hillsborough but later moved to Hillsboro.

During the Civil War, Hill County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The war took a toll on the area, leading to economic decline and agricultural setbacks. However, with the end of the war and efforts to rebuild, the county gradually recovered.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hill County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the establishment of new towns and communities. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a mainstay of the county's economy, with numerous cotton gins and mills scattered throughout the area.

Today, Hill County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic landmarks and sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its history. From its early Native American roots to its role in the development of Central Texas, Hill County continues to thrive as a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of its residents.
Brief timeline of the history of Hill County, Texas:

  • 1853: Hill County established as one of the 36 original counties of Texas.
  • 1854: Hillsboro becomes the county seat.
  • 1860s: Hill County experiences rapid growth due to the cattle industry and the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1873: The Hill County Courthouse, a two-story wooden structure, is completed.
  • 1882: The Courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
  • 1886: Construction of a new courthouse begins.
  • 1890: The current Hill County Courthouse, a magnificent Romanesque Revival architectural style building, is completed.
  • 1900s: Hill County faces numerous challenges, including droughts, the Great Depression, and the decline of the cotton industry.
  • 1940s: Hill County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to World War II and the establishment of military bases in the region.
  • 1950s-1960s: Construction of Lake Whitney provides recreational opportunities and helps boost the local economy.
  • 2000s: Hill County continues to develop and diversify its economy, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hill County, Texas.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.