Farmers National Bank
68 W. Elm St., Hillsboro, TXComparable to the Classical Revival bank at the opposite end of the block, the Farmers National Bank building is an important landmark in Hillsboro and is one of its most architecturally significant structures. Although extensively remodeled about 1913, its early-20th-century architectural integrity remains intact. The Farmers National Bank, organized and chartered in 1887, was, until its purchase by the Colonial Trust Company in 1931, the oldest National bank in Hillsboro.
The Farmer's National relocated to its present site in 1898 after acquiring the assets of the Hill County National Bank. The original incorporators of the bank were largely farmers and stockmen, and throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, Farmers National Bank played an important role in the development of Hillsboro and Hill County. The bank was also active in the development of other lines of industry. Among the prominent persons associated with the bank in its early years were J.D. Warren, the first president, and T.S. Smith, an Attorney General of Texas.
The Farmer's National relocated to its present site in 1898 after acquiring the assets of the Hill County National Bank. The original incorporators of the bank were largely farmers and stockmen, and throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, Farmers National Bank played an important role in the development of Hillsboro and Hill County. The bank was also active in the development of other lines of industry. Among the prominent persons associated with the bank in its early years were J.D. Warren, the first president, and T.S. Smith, an Attorney General of Texas.
Bibliography
Hillsboro Reporter, July 21, 1966.
Hillsboro Daily Mirror, January 12, 1967.
RTHL Files, Texas Historical Commission, Austin.
Hillsboro Daily Mirror, January 12, 1967.
RTHL Files, Texas Historical Commission, Austin.
Commerce; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
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The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
About Hill County
Hill County Timeline
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.
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.
Hill County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in 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.