Historical Markers in
Bosque County, Texas

Bosque County Bosque County Courthouse Boyhood Home of John A. Lomax Captain J. J. Cureton, C.S.A. Cedron Cemetery and School Chisholm Trail, Kimball Crossing Cleng Peerson Clifton College Administration Building Clifton Lutheran College Clifton Whipple Truss Bridge Coon Creek Election Oak Fairview Baptist Church and Cemetery First Baptist Church of Meridian First Methodist Church of Valley Mills First United Methodist Church of Morgan Fulton Cemetery Gary Cemetery General Alison Nelson Graves-Payne House Homestead of Knud S. Knudson Iredell First United Methodist Church James Buckner "Buck" Barry, C.S.A. Jens Jenson Homestead John and Mary Colwick House Joseph Olson Family Log Cabin Lanes Chapel and Cemetery Lowry Hampton Scrutchfield Lumpkin-Woodruff House Martha Mabray Randal Norse Norse Seventh Day Adventist Church Norwegian Settlements in Bosque County Odle Log Cabin Ole Pierson Homestead Omenson House Original Site of Valley Mills Oswald Cemetery Our Savior's Lutheran Church Pool-Tibbs House Poston-Odle Cemetery Riverside Cemetery Rock Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church Roden Taylor Crain Scrutchfield Cemetery Searsville Baptist Church Site of Clifton Mill Smith Bend-Coon Creek Cemetery Spring Creek Cemetery St. James Episcopal Church St. Olaf Lutheran Church Steiner Baptist Church The Bertelsen House The Rock Church - St. Olaf Lutheran Congregation Union Hill School Valley Mills Santa Fe Railway Depot William Berry Smith Womack - White Cemetery Zion United Church of Christ
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
Bosque County, located in central Texas, has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. The area was once inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Comanche, and Lipan Apache. Spanish explorers began to explore the region in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the mid-19th century that settlers began to arrive in significant numbers.

In 1852, the Texas legislature formally established Bosque County, named after the Bosque River, which flows through the area. The county quickly developed as an agricultural hub, with settlers primarily engaged in farming and ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further spurred economic growth and brought increased connectivity to the area.

During the Civil War, Bosque County, like much of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. The county sent troops to fight under the Confederate banner, and the war had a significant impact on the local economy. After the war, Bosque County faced challenges in rebuilding its economy and infrastructure.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and gas brought renewed prosperity to Bosque County. The oil industry brought investment and job opportunities, leading to a period of economic growth and development. Today, Bosque County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and historical landmarks, making it a popular destination for tourists and a desirable place to live.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bosque County, Texas.

  • 1854 - Bosque County is created and organized, named after the Bosque River.
  • 1855 - Bosque County's first permanent settlement, Clifton, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - During the Civil War, Bosque County supports the Confederacy.
  • 1870 - The first courthouse is built in Meridian, which becomes the county seat.
  • 1882 - The Waco and Northwestern Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1890s - Bosque County experiences an economic boom due to agriculture and the expansion of railroads.
  • 1905 - Meridian becomes the first community in central Texas to have electric lights.
  • 1929 - The Great Depression negatively impacts the county's economy.
  • 1938 - The Civilian Conservation Corps builds Lake Whitney, a popular recreational site.
  • 1940s-1950s - Bosque County's population declines due to outmigration and agricultural changes.
  • 1990s - Bosque County experiences population growth and a revitalization of its downtown areas.
  • 2015 - Bosque County celebrates its 160th anniversary.