First United Methodist Church of DeKalb
Historical marker location:The Rev. William Stevenson led the pioneering efforts of Methodist circuit riders in northeast Texas in 1815. He preached on both sides of the Red River, although Protestant services were then illegal in the Spanish territory of Texas. Methodist "societies" began to spring up in this area in the 1820s and 1830s.
Dr. J. W. P. McKenzie started a Methodist mission in DeKalb in 1836, just five years after the town was founded. This area was then considered part of Miller County, Arkansas. The Rev. John B. Denton, who served the church in 1837, was later killed in the Village Creek Indian Battle in Tarrant County. The city and county of Denton were named for him.
The Methodists' first church building was a log structure which also served as a schoolhouse. It stood in the southeast corner of Old DeKalb Cemetery. After the arrival of the Texas & Pacific Railroad, the church moved to a new building at Fulton and Church St. in 1882. The Presbyterian and Christian churches also shared that facility. A Sunday School program was begun in 1883. The church moved to its present location in 1913 and has occupied three buildings here. Three Methodist congregations, Austin Chapel, Oak Grove, and Springhill, have merged with the fellowship. (1985)
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 world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
During the 19th century, Bowie County played a significant role in the fight for Texas independence. The county was a major thoroughfare for pioneers heading westward on the El Camino Real, a trade route connecting Mexico and the United States. In the 1830s and 1840s, conflicts with Native American tribes occurred as settlers moved into the region. The Battle of Brinkley's Station in 1838, for example, was a significant clash between settlers and the Cherokee Nation.
The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought prosperity and development to Bowie County. oil fields were discovered in 1928, leading to a boom in population and economic growth. The town of DeKalb, located in Bowie County, became known as the "Oil Capital of Northeast Texas." The oil industry brought numerous jobs and investment to the county, and continues to be an important part of its economy to this day.
Today, Bowie County is home to a diverse population and offers a mix of rural and urban attractions. The county seat, Texarkana, is a unique city that straddles the Texas-Arkansas border and is known as the "Twin Cities." It serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare. Bowie County also boasts natural attractions such as the Wright Patman Lake and the Sulphur River Wildlife Management Area, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Bowie County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Bowie County, Texas.
- 1840s - The area that is now Bowie County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee.
- 1835 - Texas gains independence from Mexico.
- 1840 - Bowie County is created and named after James Bowie, a Texas Revolution hero.
- 1876 - The city of Texarkana is established as a railroad junction between Texas and Arkansas.
- 1900s - The oil industry becomes a major economic factor in the county.
- 1942 - Red River Army Depot is established as a major military facility.
- 1958 - Wright Patman Lake (Lake Texarkana) is created as a reservoir on the Sulphur River.
- 1974 - The Bowie County Courthouse, built in 1891, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
- 1986 - The Texarkana Independent School District is formed, consolidating several smaller school districts.