Blackland Experiment Station, Substation No. 5
Historical marker location:BLACKLAND EXPERIMENT STATION, SUBSTATION NO. 5
THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE AUTHORIZED BLACKLAND EXPERIMENT STATION, SUBSTATION NO. 5 IN 1909. THE TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION SYSTEM WAS CREATED AFTER THE 1887 HATCH ACT AUTHORIZED FEDERALLY-SUPPORTED EXPERIMENT STATIONS AS PART OF STATE LAND-GRANT COLLEGES. AFTER OPENING IN 1911, THE STATION, STAFFED BY TEXAS A&M SCIENTISTS, WAS CHARGED WITH CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON VARIED SOIL AND CROP PROBLEMS, WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON THE CONTROL OF COTTON ROOT ROT. TEMPLE’S LOCATION NEAR THE JUNCTION OF THE ROLLING UPLAND HILLS OF THE GRAND PRAIRIE AND THE FERTILE, BLACK WAXY SOIL OF THE BLACKLAND PRAIRIE MADE IT AN IDEAL LOCATION FOR THE RESEARCH FACILITY. THE TEMPLE SUBSTATION WAS TYPICAL FOR ITS TIME, AND CONSISTED OF A FARM STAFFED BY A SUPERINTENDENT, A RESEARCHER WITH A COLLEGE DEGREE AND A FEW FARM LABORERS. THE SITE ALSO INCLUDED LIVING QUARTERS, LIVESTOCK AND ESSENTIAL FARM EQUIPMENT.
WITH ADVANCEMENTS IN MECHANIZED FARMING, ADDITIONAL ACREAGE WAS REQUIRED FOR THE SUBSTATION, AND IT WAS RELOCATED TO A 542-ACRE SITE ON THE SOUTHEAST EDGE OF TEMPLE IN 1927. THE ENLARGED SITE ALLOWED FOR BROADER RESEARCH ON EROSION PREVENTION. IN 1929, THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA) ASSIGNED SCIENTISTS WHO IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS JOINTLY, AND AT TIMES, SOLELY MANAGED THE SITE. IN 1973, THE USDA’S GRASSLAND, SOIL AND WATER RESEARCH LABORATORY WAS ESTABLISHED AND ALLOWED FOR INCREASED STATE AND FEDERAL RESEARCH COLLABORATION THAT CONTINUES TODAY.
IN JANUARY 2008 THE FACILITY’S NAME WAS CHANGED TO TEXAS AGRILIFE RESEARCH, BLACKLAND RESEARCH AND EXTENSION CENTER. THE RESEARCH CONDUCTED AT THE FACILITY EVOLVES ALONG WITH AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY, ENABLING SUSTAINED SERVICE TO THE REGION.
175 YEARS OF TEXAS INDEPENDENCE * 1836-2011
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.
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.
During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.
In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.
Bell County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bell County, Texas.
- 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
- 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
- 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
- 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
- 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
- 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
- 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
- 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
- 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
- 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
- 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
- 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen