Historical Markers in
Wood County, Texas

Birthplace of Miss Ima Hogg C. W. Raines Caddo Indian Communities in Wood County Callaway House Captain Henry Stout Carlock Home Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Winnsboro Chalybeate Springs Clover Hill Cemetery Col. James A. Stinson Home Collins-Haines Home Concord Cemetery Corbitt Home Dr Pepper Bottling Plant Dr. Adolphus Leander Patten East Point Missionary Baptist Church First Baptist Church of Mineola First Baptist Church of Quitman First Baptist Church of Winnsboro First Election in Wood County First Methodist Church of Winnsboro First National Bank Building First National Bank of Mineola First Presbyterian Church of Winnsboro Flora Lodge No. 119, A.F. & A.M. Florence Robinson Cottage George C. Reeves (Aug. 31, 1854 - Aug. 29, 1934) Gov. James Stephen Hogg and Wood County Government Projects in Mineola Harry W. Meredith Hopewell Church and Cemetery Indian Cemetery and Villages J. H. Jones and the Old Settlers Reunion Grounds James Stephen Hogg James Stephen Hogg's Early Home Jarvis Christian College Jobe Cemetery John Creighton Buchanan Lankford-Stinson House Lee Cemetery Lillian Richard Little Hope Missionary Baptist Church Lott House Macedonia School Martin Varner Mineola Mineola Black Spiders Mineola Fire Department Mineola Masonic Lodge No. 502, A.F. & A.M. Mineola Opera Houses Mineola Post Office Mineola Public Library Mineola Schools Mineola's Jewish Community Mountain Home Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Myrtle Springs Baptist Church, BMA New Hope Baptist Church New Hope Cemetery O. P. Pyle House Old Bailey Hotel Old Winnsboro Cemetery Paron Cemetery Perryville Baptist Church Perryville Methodist Church Pleasant Grove School & Cemetery Pleasant Ridge Cemetery (HTC) Railroads in Mineola Removal of Cherokees Reneau Building Reuben Leon and Fairess (Clark) Simmons Richard Malcolm Smith Robert N. Stafford Rock Hill Baptist Church Rosenwald Schools in Wood County Rufus Cornelius Hickman Saloons in Mineola Sand Springs Cemetery Sarah Rosalie Patten Buchanan Select Theater Shady Grove Cemetery Site of Barney B. Hart House Site of Coleman Family Drug Store and Clinic Site of Little Indiana School Site of Public Mineral Water Well Smith Chapel United Methodist Church Smyrna Baptist Church St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church The Cathey Buildings The Thomas Breen Family Utilities in Mineola Willard Cemetery William Jesse McDonald Williams Medical Clinic Building Wisener Field Wood County Wood County Courthouse
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Wood County, located in the eastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, who utilized the fertile land for agriculture and hunting.

In the early 1800s, the region attracted settlers from the United States who were drawn to the lush forests and abundant resources. The first permanent European-American settlement was established in 1846, and it was named Quitman after John A. Quitman, a prominent politician of that time.

During the Civil War, Wood County played a significant role in supporting the Confederacy. Many residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area became a center for military recruitment and training. After the war, the county suffered economically, but with the introduction of the railroad in the late 19th century, the economy began to recover.

Wood County's economy primarily relied on agriculture, with the growth of cotton, corn, and timber industries. The establishment of sawmills and the development of the timber industry brought prosperity to the area. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas reserves further fueled the county's economic development.

Today, Wood County continues to be an important agricultural and industrial center in Texas. The county's history is evident in its charming small towns, historic sites, and natural beauty. The strong sense of community and appreciation for the region's heritage are still evident today, making Wood County a vibrant and inviting place to visit or live.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wood County, Texas.

  • 1850: Wood County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1852: The first courthouse in Wood County is built in Quitman.
  • 1860: The population of Wood County reaches 4,867.
  • 1875: The railroad reaches Wood County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1895: The county seat is moved from Quitman to Mineola.
  • 1920: The population of Wood County peaks at 19,109.
  • 1930: The Great Depression hits Wood County, causing economic hardship.
  • 1958: Lake Holbrook is completed, providing a recreational area for residents.
  • 1970: Wood County's population decreases to 12,230.
  • 1983: Holly Lake Ranch, a gated residential community, is established in Wood County.
  • 2000: The population of Wood County surpasses 37,000.
  • 2019: Wood County experiences steady growth and continues to be a thriving community.