Historical Marker

The Railroad in Bee County

Historical marker location:
314 West Bowie Street, Beeville, Texas
( corner of W. Bowie and railroad right-of-way, Beeville)
Marker installed: 1997
Marker size: 27" x 42"

On June 14, 1886, the first San Antonio and Aransas Pass (SA&AP) train arrived in Beeville to a cheering crowd. The arrival marked the combined efforts of SA&AP president Uriah Lott; Beeville merchant, banker and cattleman Captain A. C. Jones; and rancher Frank Skidmore to route the railroad through Bee County. When Lott's proposed line from San Antonio to the Gulf at Corpus Christi was opposed by the nearby town of Goliad, Jones granted land and substantial funds, while Skidmore donated land and the Skidmore townsite. Many others followed their example.

Transformed from a village to a boom town, and surrounded by new farming towns, Beeville became a shipping point for cattle and cotton. In 1889, after the Southern Pacific completed a second line through here to Victoria and the port of Galveston, Bee County became a rail center with connections far and wide for passenger and freight service. Passenger service peaked in 1918, and by 1930 the Beeville-Skidmore line averaged 18 trains daily. During World War II passenger service increased, but improved highway travel led to its end in 1952. The Southern Pacific depot was razed in 1958, and the last train left Bee County in 1994, but the booster spirit of the railroad era lives on. (1997)

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.

railroads
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Bee County, located in south-central Texas, has a rich and diverse history that stretches back to ancient times. The area was once home to indigenous tribes such as the Karankawa and Lipan Apache. It was visited by Spanish explorers in the 17th century, including Alonso de Leon and Francisco Hidalgo.

In the 19th century, Bee County underwent significant changes due to the arrival of American settlers. In 1857, Bee County was officially formed and named after Colonel Barnard E. Bee, a hero of the Texas Revolution. The county began to flourish with the establishment of ranching and farming communities. The emergence of railroads in the late 1800s further boosted the area's growth, connecting Bee County to markets in nearby counties and facilitating economic development.

The discovery of oil in Bee County in the early 20th century signaled another wave of prosperity. The county experienced a boom in oil production, attracting workers and capital to the area. This development led to the growth of towns such as Beeville, the county seat, as well as significant infrastructure improvements. Agriculture, including cotton and livestock, also continued to play a crucial role in the county's economy during this period.

Today, Bee County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy. It is known for its agricultural output, with cattle ranching, cotton farming, and vegetable cultivation being key industries. The county also benefits from the presence of the oil and gas industry, which continues to contribute to its economic stability. Bee County's rich history and natural beauty make it an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bee County, Texas.

  • 1836: Bee County is part of the newly independent Republic of Texas.
  • 1837: The Texas legislature establishes Bee County as a separate county from San Patricio County.
  • 1858: The county seat is moved from old Fort Ewell to the newly established village of Beeville.
  • 1908: The first oil well is drilled in Bee County.
  • 1930s: Oil production in Bee County booms and greatly impacts the local economy.
  • 1942: Chase Field, a naval aviation training base, is established in Beeville during World War II.
  • 1960s: Beeville experiences significant economic growth due to the establishment of several manufacturing plants.
  • 1990: Bee County celebrates its 150th anniversary.
  • 2006: The Bee County Courthouse, a historic landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.