Historical Marker

Southland Paper Mills, Inc.

Historical marker location:
Lufkin, Texas
( from US 59 in Lufkin, 1 mi. east on FM 103)
Marker installed: 1968

First plant to turn southern pines into newsprint. Mill here revolutionized paper industry in the southern United States. Seeking local paper rather than foreign supplies, Southland was incorporated in 1938 and began operations, 1940. Its mills made possible use of southern pine (earlier rejected for newsprint because of its high resin content).

In 1942, additional facilities were built to supply bleached pulp.

Success of this pioneer complex gave Texas an avenue for aiding world in supply of vital paper. (1968).