Historical Marker

Campbellton

Historical marker location:
Campbell Blvd. and St.Francis Ave., Campbellton, Texas
( Southwest corner of Campbell Blvd and St. Francis Ave., two blocks east of SH 281 South)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

CAMPBELLTON

ATASCOSA COUNTY WAS CREATED FROM BEXAR COUNTY IN 1856 BY THE SIXTH LEGISLATURE OF TEXAS. THE TOWN WAS NAMED AFTER JOHN CAMPBELL WHO CAME TO TEXAS FROM IRELAND AS A BOY WITH HIS PARENTS. JOHN CAMPBELL FIRST CAME TO ATASCOSA COUNTY AROUND 1857 AND BEGAN RANCHING. WHEN THE CIVIL WAR BROKE OUT, HE JOINED THE CONFEDERACY AND ENLISTED IN COMPANY I, 32ND REGIMENT, TEXAS CAVALRY, SERVING AS SECOND LIEUTENANT. AFTER THE CIVIL WAR, JOHN CAMPBELL RETURNED TO ATASCOSA COUNTY WHERE HE STARTED A RANCH BETWEEN PLEASANTON AND OAKVILLE. LATER, CAMPBELL OPENED A STORE THAT BECAME A RELAY STATION FOR THE MAIL ROUTE AND, IN 1874, ESTABLISHED THE FIRST POST OFFICE. IN 1880, JOHN CAMPBELL SAW THE NEED TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY AND DONATED LAND FOR A SCHOOL. THE SCHOOL WAS ALSO USED AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP FOR THE COMMUNITY UNTIL A CHURCH WAS BUILT IN 1897, NAMED THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS CATHOLIC CHURCH.

IN 1913, TRAIN SERVICE TO CAMPBELLTON BEGAN. THE POPULATION GREW AND, IN 1915, A NEW BRICK SCHOOLHOUSE OPENED. DURING THE LATE 1950s, OIL WAS DISCOVERED IN THE AREA BUT RANCHING REMAINED THE TOP INDUSTRY. CAMPBELLTON WAS HOME TO JOHN FILES TOM AND JOSEPH DANIEL “DAN” STRUVE. BOTH MEN SERVED AS TEXAS LEGISLATORS IN 1873 AND 1961, RESPECTIVELY. FOR YEARS, STATE HIGHWAY 9 (AND LATER U.S. HWY 281) IN CAMPBELLTON GENERATED BUSINESS FOR THE COMMUNITY UNTIL CONSTRUCTION OF INTERSTATE 37 BETWEEN SAN ANTONIO AND CORPUS CHRISTI DIVERTED TRAFFIC AWAY FROM CAMPBELLTON. DESPITE THIS SETBACK, RESIDENTS OF CAMPBELLTON STILL COME TOGETHER TO VISIT AND RAISE FUNDS FOR THE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT AND SACRED HEART CATHOLIC CHURCH

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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Atascosa County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich and diverse history spanning hundreds of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, particularly the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers arrived in the 18th century, with the area eventually becoming part of the San Antonio de Béxar (San Antonio) Spanish colonial outpost.

In the early 19th century, the region experienced a migration of American settlers. Atascosa County, named after the Atascosa River that flows through it, was officially established in 1856. The county played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with several battles fought in the area. The region's fertile land attracted farmers and ranchers, leading to the growth of the agricultural industry. Cattle ranching soon became a dominant economic activity, and the county became known for its large cattle drives and sprawling ranches.

During the Civil War, Atascosa County sided with the Confederacy, and the conflict brought some challenges to the area. However, after the war, the county experienced a period of growth and development. Railroads were constructed, connecting the county to larger markets, and the establishment of towns and communities brought further prosperity.

In the 20th century, Atascosa County continued to thrive economically, primarily due to agriculture, particularly cotton and corn farming. Oil and gas exploration also became significant industries in the region. The growth of cities such as Pleasanton and Jourdanton brought increased infrastructure and amenities to the area. Today, Atascosa County is an important part of the South Texas economy, contributing to agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism. Its history and heritage are celebrated through various cultural events and historical landmarks.

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

  • 1856 - Atascosa County is officially established by the Texas state legislature.
  • 1872 - The county's first courthouse is built in Pleasanton.
  • 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway is completed, bringing a significant boost to the county's economy.
  • 1890 - Tornadoes cause extensive damage in the county, leading to rebuilding efforts.
  • 1898 - The county's second courthouse is constructed, replacing the original one.
  • 1908 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to an oil boom, bringing economic prosperity.
  • 1920s - Atascosa County experiences a decline in agriculture due to the boll weevil infestation.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county.
  • 1940s - World War II brings changes to the county, including the establishment of a military training base.
  • 1960s - Construction of Interstate 37 brings improved transportation infrastructure to the county.
  • 1970s - Atascosa County's population starts to grow significantly, leading to increased development.
  • 1990s - The county experiences further population growth and urbanization.
  • 2005 - Hurricane Emily causes widespread damage in the county.
  • Present - Atascosa County continues to be a mix of rural and urban communities, with a diverse economy.