Stockton P. Donley
Historical marker location:County named for Texas Confederate Stockton P. Donley 1821 - 1871 Came to Texas from Kentucky 1846. Dist. Attorney 1853. Enlisted private 7th Tex. Infantry 1861, made Lieutenant. Captured with regiment after bitter fight at Seige Fort Donelson Tenn. 1862. Prisoner war 9 months Camp Douglas Ill. When exchanged health so broken assigned post duty. Elected to State Supreme Court 1866. Because of Confederate service was removed 1867 by U.S. military order. A memorial to Texans who served the Confederacy Erected by the State of Texas 1963
April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.
April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.
May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.
September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.
January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.
July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.
November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.
April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.
April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.
May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.
December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.
While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.
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.
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
In the early 1870s, settlers began to establish ranches in the area. The county was officially formed in August 1876 and named after Stockton P. Donley, a lawyer who served as a member of the Texas Legislature. The same year, Clarendon became the county seat. As ranching flourished, the new settlements attracted more residents and businesses.
The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th century. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway in the early 1880s provided a major boost to the local economy. Clarendon became a key shipping point for cattle and agricultural products, contributing to the county's prosperity.
However, like many other areas in Texas, Donley County faced challenges during the early 20th century. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl had a severe impact on the local economy, causing widespread hardship and forcing many residents to leave. But with the introduction of new farming techniques and federal assistance programs, the county slowly recovered and agriculture remained a vital industry.
Today, Donley County continues to be a rural community with a strong ranching and agricultural presence. It also boasts historical landmarks, such as the Donley County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county's rich history and resilient spirit serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its early settlers and the enduring legacy they left behind.
Donley County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Donley County, Texas.
- 1876: Donley County is formally established on August 21, with Clarendon as its county seat.
- 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is constructed through Donley County, bringing economic growth and improved transportation.
- 1890: The population of Donley County reaches its peak with over 8,000 residents.
- 1908: The first courthouse is built in Clarendon, but it is later destroyed by a fire in 1909.
- 1910: A new courthouse is constructed to replace the one destroyed by fire, which still stands today.
- 1930s: The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl severely impact Donley County, causing economic hardships and population decline.
- 1947: The Greenbelt Reservoir is completed, providing a reliable water source for the county's agriculture and livestock industries.
- 1950s-1960s: The construction of Interstate 40 through Donley County improves transportation and spurs economic development.
- 1980s-present: Donley County faces challenges of modernization, including technological advancements and changes in the agricultural industry.