National Register Listings in
Wharton County, Texas

Banker, Willie, Jr., House Bernstein, Moses, House Bolton-Outlar House Colorado River Bridge Croom, Wiley J., House Dannon, F. F., House Davidson, Dr. Green, House Davis, Ben and Mary, House Elkins, Nettie, House Elliott, E. Clyde and Mary, House First Methodist Episcopal Church South, Old Garrett, Henry B., House Garrett, John A. and Sophie, House Gifford, George C. and Annie, House Hamilton, Joseph Andrew, House Harrison, Gerard A., House Harrison-Dennis House Hawes, Edwin, House Hawes, Edwin, Jr., House House at 401 North Richmond House at 512 North Resident Linn Street Historic District Merrell-Roten House Moran-Moore House Speaker, J. H., House St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church Texas and New Orleans Railroad Bridge Texas and New Orleans Railroad Depot West Milam Street Mercantile Historic District Wharton County Courthouse Historic Commercial District Worthing, Louis F., House
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
Wharton County, Texas, is located in the southeastern part of the state. The area that is now known as Wharton County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and the Apache. In the early 1820s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive in the region, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant wildlife.

In 1846, the Texas legislature established Wharton County, named after brothers William Harris Wharton and John Austin Wharton, who were prominent figures in the Texas Revolution. The county was officially organized in 1848, with the town of Wharton selected as the county seat. The growth of the county was fueled by the development of the railroads, which provided transportation for agricultural products such as cotton, corn, and cattle.

During the Civil War, Wharton County was heavily affected by the conflict. Many of the county's residents supported the Confederacy, with several military units being raised in the area. However, the county also had a significant number of Union sympathizers, leading to tensions and conflicts within the community. After the war, the county gradually recovered and experienced economic growth, with new industries such as oil and gas exploration contributing to its prosperity.

Today, Wharton County is a diverse community with a strong agricultural base. The county is known for its rice and cattle production, as well as its oil and gas industries. It is also home to several historical sites, including the Wharton County Courthouse, which was built in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its rich history and thriving economy, Wharton County continues to be an important part of Texas's cultural and economic landscape.

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

  • 1846: Wharton County is established by the Texas legislature
  • 1848: The first settlements are established in the county
  • 1849: The town of Wharton is founded and becomes the county seat
  • 1850: The population of the county is 1,075
  • 1861-1865: Wharton County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1881: The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway reaches Wharton County
  • 1900: The Galveston hurricane devastates the county, causing widespread destruction
  • 1930: The county's population reaches its peak at 39,195
  • 1965: The construction of the Wharton County Junior College is completed
  • 1985: The county courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places