National Register Listing

Houston Ranger Station Historic District

104 MO 63S, Houston, MO
Local significance of the district:
Conservation; Architecture; Politics/government

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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.

Audiobooks about the history of Missouri.
The St. Louis World's Fair, also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, was held in St. Louis in 1904 and attracted millions of visitors from around the world. It was where the ice cream cone was first introduced, and also featured the first Olympic Games held in the United States.
Missouri random facts
Texas County is located in south-central Missouri and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Prior to European colonization, the area was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Osage and Delaware tribes. Spanish explorers first entered the region in the mid-16th century, followed by French explorers in the late 17th century. However, it was the arrival of American settlers in the early 19th century that would shape the county's history.

In 1821, Texas County was officially established and named after the Republic of Texas, which gained independence from Mexico in 1836. The county's first permanent settlement, Houston, was founded soon after in 1838. The town was named after Sam Houston, a key figure in the Texas Revolution and later President of the Republic of Texas.

During the American Civil War, Texas County was divided between Confederate and Union sympathizers, leading to conflict and violence within the county. Guerrilla warfare and skirmishes were common, and the county suffered from the devastation of the war. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy through agriculture, particularly in livestock farming and timber production.

In the 20th century, Texas County experienced economic growth with the introduction of the railroad in 1903, connecting the county to other parts of Missouri. The county also witnessed an influx of residents during periods of economic prosperity, especially in the 1960s with the construction of the Mark Twain National Forest. Today, Texas County remains largely rural with a population engaged in farming, forestry, and small-scale industries, preserving its rich history while also embracing modern developments.

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

  • 1843 - Texas County was established by the Missouri General Assembly.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Texas County experienced skirmishes and raids.
  • 1870 - Houston, the county seat, was officially incorporated.
  • 1892 - The St. Louis and San Francisco Railroad reached Houston, bringing economic growth.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression heavily impacted Texas County, causing economic hardships.
  • 1941-1945 - Many residents served in World War II, contributing to the war effort.
  • 1960s - The construction of several major highways enhanced connectivity in the county.
  • 2000s - Texas County saw population growth and increased tourism due to its natural beauty.