Historical Markers in
Brown County, Texas

Adams-Shaw House Antioch Cemetery Bangs Cemetery Bangs Public Schools Blake Cemetery Blanket Blanket Cemetery Brooke Smith Brown County Brownwood Harvey House Brownwood Santa Fe Passenger Depot Camp Collier, C.S.A. Charlie Webb and John Wesley Hardin City of Brownwood Coggin Academy-McClelland Library Coggin and Parks Building Connell Cemetery Courthouses of Brown County Cross Cut Cemetery Daniel Baker College Dr. Mollie W. Armstrong Elkins Cemetery Eureka Cemetery Eureka Cemetery Fairview Cemetery First Baptist Church of Bangs First Baptist Church of Zephyr Greenleaf Cemetery Greenleaf Fisk Heflin Cemetery Henry Ford "Hey Paula" Howard Payne University J. A. Walker House Jenkins Springs Cemetery John Wesley Malone Home Katherine Anne Porter Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church Lost Creek Cemetery Lovell-Dobbs House May United Methodist Church Mud Creek Cemetery Mullins Heritage Park Old Gray Mare Band Prisoners of War at Camp Bowie R. B. Rogers House Robert E. Howard Rocky Creek Baptist Church Rufus F. Hardin High School Salem Cemetery Site of World War II Camp Bowie Smith Cemetery St. John's Episcopal Church Swinden Pecan Orchard The May Community The Rev. Dr. John David Robnett The Rev. Noah Turner Byars Thrifty Veda Wells Hodge Walter U. Early Welcome William Chandler William Franklin Brown Windham Cemetery Wolf Valley Cemetery Zephyr Cemetery Zephyr Cemetery Zephyr Gospel Tabernacle Zephyr Presbyterian Church
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Why Stop?: A Guide to Texas Roadside Historical Markers Paperback – April 16, 2013
Why Stop?: A Guide to Texas Roadside Historical Markers

Texas was the product of men who knew how to use their brains as well as their fists.
John Steinbeck in Travels with Charley
Brown County, Texas, located in the central part of the state, holds a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache and Comanche, prior to European settlement. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, followed by American explorers and traders in the early 1830s.

The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.

Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.

Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.

Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Brown County, Texas.

  • 1800s: Brown County was initially inhabited by Comanche and Kiowa Native American tribes.
  • 1849: The County was originally established by the Texas Legislature and named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a Republic of Texas militia major killed at the Battle of Velasco during the Texas Revolution.
  • 1856: The first permanent settlement was established in the county, known as Brownwood, named after Henry Stevenson Brown.
  • 1867: The county was officially organized, and Brownwood became the county seat.
  • 1885: The arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in Brownwood facilitated growth and development in the county.
  • 1903: Howard Payne College, now known as Howard Payne University, was founded in Brownwood.
  • Early 1900s: Cotton and livestock farming were the primary economic activities in Brown County.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression deeply impacted the county's economy, leading to a decline in population and prosperity.
  • 1950s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought an economic boom to Brown County.
  • 1970: Lake Brownwood was constructed as a recreational reservoir in the county.
  • 1997: The expansion of Howard Payne University included the renovation and construction of various campus facilities.