Historical Markers in
Anderson County, Texas

Alonzo Marion Story Anderson Campground Anderson County Anderson County Courthouse Anderson County in the Civil War Anderson County Poor Farm Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Bell Cemetery Bethel Cemetery Bethel Church and Cemetery Beulah Baptist Church C. S. A. Iron Works Campbell Cemetery Captain Steven L. Bennett Captain William Kimbro Christopher Columbus Rogers Christopher Columbus Rogers Col. G. R. Howard House Col. Homer Garrison, Jr. Concord Baptist Church and Cemetery Crawford Cemetery Denson Springs Cemetery Dickerson Parker Don Hastings Dr. Bonner Frizzell Early Settlement of Northwestern Anderson County Eilenberger's Bakery Elkhart Garden of Memories Cemetery Elkhart Myrtle Springs Cemetery Fields Chapel Methodist Church and Cemetery First Baptist Church of Elkhart First Baptist Church of Palestine First Christian Church First Gravesite of Cynthia Ann Parker First Methodist Church of Palestine First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church of Elkhart Fort Houston Fort Houston Cemetery Frankston City Park Frankston Railroad Depot Frederick Douglass Elementary School Freeman Farm Gilmore's Chapel Governor Thomas Mitchell Campbell Grace Methodist Church Green Bay A.M.E. Church Green Bay High School Harmony Baptist Church Henry Fields Hodges-Darsey House Home of Congressman and Mrs. Alexander W. Gregg Hopewell Cemetery I & GN Hospital and Nurses' Quarters Jemison Quarters Cemetery John and Laura Miller House John Byler Mallard, Judge John H. Reagan John H. Reagan Monument John Starr House Judge William Alexander Judson Baptist Church Judson Cemetery Kolstad Jewelers Link Family Cemetery Link House, The Lone Pine Baptist Church Magnolia Cemetery Mary Kate Hunter (November 8, 1866 - April 15, 1945) McClure-McReynolds-Fowler Home Micham Main Miles Bennett Mound Prairie Cemetery Mount Vernon A.M.E. Church Mount Vernon United Methodist Church Mt. Moriah Baptist Church Murdoch McDonald Muse Cemetery N. A. Banks Elementary School New Hope Baptist Church Northeast Texas Christian Theological and Industrial College Old Montalba Old Pilgrim Church Olive Branch Cemetery Osjetea Briggs P. L. Chism Palestine Carnegie Library Palestine Fire Department Palestine High School Palestine Lodge No. 31, A. F. & A. M. Palestine Post Office and Federal Building Palestine Salt Works C. S. A. Paul L. Rutledge, Sr. Pennybacker-Campbell-Wommack House Pilgrim Hill Baptist Church Pilgrim Predestinarian Regular Baptist Church Pilgrim Predestinarian Regular Baptist Church Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church Pine Lodge Club House Providence Church and Cemetery Rev. Daniel Parker Robert (Bob) Knight Roy B. Wallace Sacred Heart Church Sadler, William T. Seven Oaks (Mallard-Alexander House) Site of Four Pines School Site of Henry High School Site of Knox Glass Company Plant Site of Lincoln High School Site of McKnight Plaza Site of Old Magnolia Site of Palestine Service Men's Club, World War II Site of St. Mary's Academy Site of the Kickapoo Battlefield Site of the McClean Massacre Site of Woodhouse School Slocum Massacre South Union Missionary Baptist Church St. Philips Episcopal Church of Palestine Stafford-Tucker Cemetery Starr Cemetery Swanson Cemetery Swanson Cemetery Tennessee Colony Tennessee Colony Cemetery Tennessee Colony Order of the Eastern Star No. 102 Texas Fruit Palace, Anderson County Fair Texas State Railroad The Bowers Mansion The I&GN Railroad in Palestine Timothy Stephen Smith Tyre Masonic Lodge No. 198 Westwood United Methodist Church William and Caroline Broyles House William Freeman Wilson Cemetery
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Anderson County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1846 and was named after Kenneth L. Anderson, a veteran of the Texas Revolution. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, before European settlers arrived.

The county's economy flourished with the arrival of immigrants from the United States and Europe, who established plantations and worked in the timber industry. The town of Palestine, the county seat, developed as a vibrant agricultural center, known for its cotton production. The construction of railroads in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economic growth. However, Anderson County also had its share of challenges.

Like many other areas of Texas, it witnessed tensions and conflicts during the American Civil War, with some residents supporting the Union and others the Confederacy. Reconstruction was a difficult period for the county, as it endured economic decline and political instability.
In the 20th century, Anderson County experienced significant changes and modernization. The discovery of oil reserves in the early 1930s brought economic prosperity to the region. The establishment of the Texas Department of Corrections in the county in 1849 also played a major role in shaping the county's history, as it became home to several state prisons and correctional facilities. Today, Anderson County is known for its diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

The region's rich history is evident in its numerous historic sites and landmarks, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Texas history and culture.

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

  • 1836: Anderson County is established on March 24, 1836, as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1838: The town of Palestine is established as the county seat of Anderson County.
  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, the county's economy is severely affected, and many locals serve in the Confederate Army.
  • Late 1800s: The arrival of the railroad in Palestine brings growth and development to Anderson County, making it an important transportation hub.
  • Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the area leads to an economic boom, with various oil fields and refineries being established.
  • 1930-1940: The Great Depression and the drought of the 1930s bring significant challenges to Anderson County, leading to decreased economic activity and population decrease.
  • Late 20th century: Anderson County experiences shifts in its economy with the decline of the oil industry. Agriculture becomes an important sector, with the county known for its timber, poultry, and cattle production.
  • 2000s: Anderson County continues to strive for economic growth and development, focusing on diversified industries, including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare.