Collingsworth County

Historical marker location:
Wellington, Texas
( From Wellington, take U.S. 83 about 2 miles north; marker located in grove of trees on west side of highway)
Marker installed: 1936
Marker size: 1936 Centennial - Highway Marker (pink granite)

Formed from Young and Bexar territories; Created August 21, 1876; Organized November 4, 1890; Named in Honor of James Collinsworth 1806-1838; the first Chief Justice of the Republic of Texas; Signer of the Declaration of Independence at the Battle of San Jacinto; Secretary of State in Burnet's cabinet; Wellington, The County Seat

  A brief timeline of the Texas Revolution
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Texas becomes a part of the Mexican territory.

  • 1824: The Mexican government establishes a constitution, known as the Mexican Federal Constitution of 1824, which grants certain rights to the Mexican states, including Texas.

  • 1826: The Fredonian Rebellion occurs when Haden Edwards, an empresario (land agent), declares the independence of the Republic of Fredonia in East Texas. The rebellion is quickly suppressed by Mexican authorities.

  • 1830: The Mexican government passes the Law of April 6, 1830, which imposes several restrictions on American immigration to Texas and increases Mexican control over the region. This leads to growing tensions between Mexican authorities and the Anglo-American settlers.

  • 1832: The Battle of Velasco takes place between Texian settlers and Mexican forces near the town of Velasco. The Texians win the battle, which marks one of the early armed conflicts in the region.

  • 1835: The Texas Revolution officially begins with the Battle of Gonzales. Texian rebels refuse to surrender a cannon, and Mexican troops are sent to retrieve it. However, the Texians successfully defend the cannon, which has a flag with the words "Come and Take It" painted on it.

  • October 1835: Texian forces capture the Mexican garrison at Goliad, marking a significant victory for the revolutionaries.

  • November 1835: The Consultation, a provisional government, is established by the Texian rebels. They declare loyalty to Mexico while seeking a restoration of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 and the removal of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna.

  • December 1835: Texian rebels, under the command of Ben Milam, capture San Antonio de Béxar after a 13-day siege. Mexican forces under General Martín Perfecto de Cos surrender, giving the Texians control of the city.

  • March 1836: The Texian garrison at the Alamo, in San Antonio, is besieged by a large Mexican force under General Santa Anna. The battle lasts for 13 days, and despite fierce resistance, the defenders are overwhelmed, and all are killed.

  • March 2, 1836: The Texas Declaration of Independence is adopted at the Convention of 1836, held at Washington-on-the-Brazos. Texas declares itself as an independent republic.

  • March 27, 1836: The Goliad Massacre takes place when General Santa Anna orders the execution of around 350 Texian prisoners of war at Goliad.

  • April 21, 1836: The Battle of San Jacinto occurs near the present-day city of Houston. Led by General Sam Houston, the Texian army defeats the Mexican forces, capturing Santa Anna himself. The battle lasts only 18 minutes and is a decisive victory for the Texians.

  • May 14, 1836: The Treaties of Velasco are signed, officially ending the Texas Revolution. Santa Anna, as a prisoner, signs the treaties recognizing Texas as an independent republic and agreeing to withdraw Mexican troops from the region.

  • October 22, 1836: Sam Houston is inaugurated as the first President of the Republic of Texas.

This timeline provides a general overview of the major events during the Texas Revolution, but it is important to note that there were numerous smaller engagements and political developments throughout the conflict.

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.

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The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Collingsworth County, located in the Panhandle region of Texas, has a rich and diverse history. The area that now encompasses the county was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Kiowa and Comanche. These nomadic tribes relied on the bountiful wildlife and natural resources in the region for their sustenance.

In the late 19th century, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive in Collingsworth County, attracted by the fertile soil and the opportunity for agriculture. The county was officially established in 1876 and named after James Collinsworth, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence.

The agricultural industry, particularly ranching and farming, played a vital role in the county's early development. Cattle ranching, in particular, grew rapidly, as the county's vast grasslands provided ample grazing opportunities for thousands of cattle. Over time, farming became an important industry as well, with crops such as cotton and wheat being cultivated on the fertile land.

The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century brought further growth and prosperity to Collingsworth County. It provided a means of transportation for the agriculture produce, allowing it to be easily shipped to larger markets. This led to the establishment of small towns and communities throughout the county, such as Wellington, the county seat, which became a hub for commerce and trade.

Today, Collingsworth County continues to embrace its agricultural heritage while also diversifying its economy. The county's strong sense of community and pride in its history can be seen in its numerous historical landmarks and events that celebrate its past. Collingsworth County remains an important part of the Panhandle region, contributing to the cultural and economic landscape of Texas.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Collingsworth County, Texas.

  • 1876 - Collingsworth County established
  • 1880 - First post office opens in Mobeetie, county seat
  • 1880s - Ranching becomes the primary industry
  • 1890 - Collingsworth County courthouse built
  • 1890s - Development of towns, such as Dodson and Wellington
  • 1902 - Construction of railroad connecting to Wellington
  • 1910s - Decline in population due to drought and economic conditions
  • 1920s - Oil discovered in the county, bringing economic growth
  • 1940s - Population growth due to World War II military training in the area
  • 1960 - Redistricting changes county boundaries
  • 1970s - Oil booms and busts impact the county's economy
  • 1990s - Agriculture and oil remain important industries
  • 2000 - Collingsworth County celebrates its 125th anniversary