Historical Marker

Waxahachie Chautauqua Building

Historical marker location:
400 S. Grand Ave., Waxahachie, Texas
( Getzendaner Park off Grand Ave.)
Marker installed: 1972
Marker size: Medallion & Plate

Some 25 years after Chautauqua cultural programs originated in New York State, annual Chautauqua assemblies in Waxahachie began in 1899. Large crowds from North and East Texas and Oklahoma camped here, studying literature and the arts, attending dramas, lectures, concerts, exhibitions. This 2500-seat hall, convertible into an open-air auditorium, was built by Waxahachie Chautauqua Park Association in 1902

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.

buildings parks opera houses and theatre fairs and festivals
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Ellis County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was established on December 20, 1849, and was named after Richard Ellis, president of the convention that declared Texas' independence from Mexico.

The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.

During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.

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

  • 1849 - Ellis County is established from Navarro County.
  • 1850 - Waxahachie is selected as the county seat.
  • 1853 - The county courthouse is built.
  • 1881 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Waxahachie, boosting the local economy.
  • 1883 - Southwestern Asylum for the Insane (now known as Terrell State Hospital) opens in Terrell, impacting the county's development.
  • 1889 - A fire destroys the Ellis County courthouse.
  • 1895 - A new courthouse is completed, designed by architect J. Riely Gordon.
  • 1921 - An oil boom begins in Ellis County, leading to increased prosperity.
  • 1934 - The Federal Correctional Institution is established in Seagoville.
  • 1942 - The Naval Air Station is established in Waxahachie during World War II.
  • 1969 - Navarro College opens a campus in Waxahachie.
  • 1987 - Bluebonnet Festival debuts in Ennis, becoming an annual celebration.
  • 2007 - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center opens in Waxahachie, providing advanced healthcare services to the county.