National Register Listing

Lumpkin Building

101 Main St., Meridian, TX
The 1901 Lumpkin Building in Meridian, the county seat of Bosque County, is one of the earliest stone commercial buildings in the town, built by local resident J.M. Williams. In 1894 prominent Meridian physician and civic leader Dr. J.J. Lumpkin purchased the building to house his drug store, which thenceforth became known as the Lumpkin Building. A devastating fire heavily damaged the building in 1901, and Dr. Lumpkin rebuilt this building, on a prominent corner lot in Meridian's central business district, that same year. The building housed a number of occupants over the years, including the Farmers Guaranty State Bank, a hardware store, and various professional offices on the second floor. For its long association with the history of commerce in Meridian, the Lumpkin Building meets the criterion in the area of Commerce at the local level of significance. As one of the earliest and most intact local examples of vernacular commercial architecture reflecting the 2-part commercial block form, the building also is significant in the area of Architecture at the local level.
Local significance of the building:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.

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.

commerce architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
Texas random facts
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.