Historical Marker

Bessie Coleman

Marker installed: 2002
Marker size: 18" x 28"

Bessie Coleman (1892-1926). The tenth of 13 children born to tenant farmers Susan and George Coleman, famed aviatrix Bessie Coleman was a native of Atlanta, Texas. The family moved to Waxahachie when Bessie was two years old. She followed her brothers to Chicago in 1915 and developed an interest in flying. Because she could find no one in the United States who would teach an African-American woman, Coleman learned to fly in France and obtained her international pilot's license in 1921. Upon her return to the United States, she was hailed as the first black woman to pilot an airplane. Bessie Coleman died in an air accident in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1926 and is buried near Chicago. (2002)

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.

African American aviation women women's history topics
Texas is known for its barbecue, and one of the most famous barbecue restaurants in the state is Kreuz Market in Lockhart. The restaurant has been in operation since 1900 and is still family-owned.
Texas random facts
Cass County, Texas, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. Throughout its early history, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee tribes. European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century, with the establishment of a trading post and the establishment of the county in 1846.

The county was named after Lewis Cass, a statesman and politician from Michigan who served as Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. In its early years, Cass County saw rapid growth, fueled by the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and coal. The county became an important center for the mining industry and attracted numerous settlers and investors seeking economic opportunities.

Cass County played an important role during the Civil War, as it was strategically located between the Confederate and Union forces. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, and many of its residents enlisted in both armies. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.

After the Civil War, Cass County experienced a period of slow recovery, but it gradually rebounded with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton and timber industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought another wave of growth and prosperity to the county. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base and a rich historical heritage.

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

  • 1848 - Cass County is established as a county in Texas.
  • 1850s - The population of Cass County booms with the discovery of oil in the area.
  • 1861-1865 - Cass County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1880s - The railroad arrives in Cass County, further boosting its economy and population.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression hits Cass County, leading to economic struggles for the community.
  • 1950s - The construction of Lake O' the Pines brings recreational opportunities to Cass County.
  • 1970s - Cass County experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the oil industry.
  • 2000s - Cass County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism.