National Register Listing

Mother Neff State Park and F. A. S. 21-B(1) Historic District

a.k.a. Mother Neff State Park and the Old River Road Historic Distr

Jct. of TX 236 and the Leon R., Moody, TX
Mother Neff State Park and F.A.S. 21-B (1) (Old River Road) Historic District, including all buildings, structures, objects, and sites contained within their boundaries, are nominated to the National Register as a district of statewide significance. This landscape and its built environment are important products of the federal New Deal programs of the 1930s that promoted the conservation and enjoyment of areas of natural beauty. Contextually, the property relates to recreation, as Texas' first state park and as a landscape reflecting the public enthusiasm in the 1920s and 1930s for the great outdoors made accessible by the automobile. The property is nominated in the area of Politics and Government for its association with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and federal road-building programs, important components of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal federal assistance programs; and for its association with Texas' efforts to create a state parks system. The district meets the Criterion in the areas of Architecture and Landscape Architecture because it contains significant examples of CCC-built buildings, structures, sites, and objects and reflects the prevailing naturalistic aesthetic in landscape treatment of the time.
Local significance of the district:
Landscape Architecture; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1992.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Texas random facts
Coryell County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. The first European explorers arrived in the 18th century, with the Spanish establishing missions in the region. However, it was not until the mid-19th century that permanent settlements began to develop.

During the Texas Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Texas, Coryell County saw significant growth. The area attracted pioneers and settlers who were drawn by the fertile land along the rivers. In 1854, the county was officially organized and named after James Coryell, an early frontiersman who was known for exploring and surveying the area.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Coryell County experienced periods of prosperity and challenges. Agriculture, particularly cotton production, played a significant role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century enhanced the county's connectivity and spurred growth in trade and commerce.

The county also contributed to the military history of Texas. During World War II, Camp Hood (now Fort Hood) was established in the southern part of Coryell County. The military installation has had a profound impact on the local economy, serving as an economic engine and a significant employer for the region.

Today, Coryell County continues to thrive as a vibrant community. It is home to a diverse population and offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes. The county's rich history can be seen in its historic buildings, museums, and landmarks, all of which provide a glimpse into the past and contribute to the county's unique cultural identity.

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

  • 1854 - Coryell County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1859 - The county seat, Gatesville, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - The American Civil War impacts Coryell County, leading to economic hardships.
  • 1872 - The Texas Central Railroad is completed, boosting the county's economy.
  • 1882 - The first county courthouse is constructed.
  • 1905 - The original county courthouse is replaced with a new building.
  • 1929 - The Coryell County Museum opens, showcasing the area's history.
  • 1942-1946 - The county experiences growth during World War II due to the establishment of Camp Hood (now Fort Hood).
  • 1963 - The current county courthouse is built, replacing the 1905 building.
  • 1997 - The Coryell County Courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places.