Red Bayou Methodist Church
Historical marker location:This rural congregation constructed its first church building on land donated by Mr. & Mrs. J. M. C. Yates in 1861. The log building, located at the present-day site of Red Bayou Cemetery, also served as a school.
In its early years the church held camp meetings on a regular basis; families arrived in wagons, buggies, and on horseback to camp together under brush arbors for three to four weeks at a time. Worship services were conducted by circuit-riding preachers, among whom were the Rev. Jester White, the Rev. McDougle, and the Rev. Charles Edgar Lamb. In 1882 the church established a mission church known as Tapp Memorial in the nearby community of New Boston.
Sometime prior to 1912 a new frame church building was built at the site of the original structure. The new church building also served as a schoolhouse until 1922. In 1938 the frame building was relocated to this site due to expansion of the Red Bayou Cemetery. Sunday School classrooms were added to the building in 1948 and again in 1952. In 1953 the congregation acquired a parsonage and called its first full-time pastor. A fellowship hall was added in 1987.
Red Bayou United Methodist Church continues to serve the community with various outreach programs.
Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845 - 1995
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 Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
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.