Rotan
Historical marker location:First known as White Flat, the town of Rotan was settled prior to the organization of Fisher County in 1886. A thriving community developed, but not until the railroad came through in 1906 did the town become a major area commercial center. During the summer of that year, the Texas Central Railway decided to extend the western terminus of its Waco line to White Flat. The coming of the railroad, which had had a dramatic economic impact in other Texas towns, was eagerly anticipated. The arrival of the first train in October 1906 signaled the opening for sale of many business lots. The name Rotan was adopted for the town when the post office was established. A postal station in Dickens County previously had been given the name White Flat, so Rotan was chosen to honor one of the railroad's principal stockholders. The town prospered with the opening of many business establishments to serve the surrounding agricultural area. Two Rotan businesses have operated continuously since their establishments--the "Rotan Advance," which began publication as the "Terminal Advance" one month before the first train arrived, and the First National Bank, which was chartered in 1907. (1983)
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 Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
The early settlers of Fisher County were primarily ranchers and farmers who were attracted to the fertile land and abundance of water sources, particularly the Colorado River. These pioneers faced many challenges, including severe weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes in the area. However, they persevered and gradually developed thriving communities, mainly centered around farming and ranching.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s greatly enhanced the county's economic development. The railroad allowed for the transport of goods and improved access to markets, leading to the growth of towns such as Roby and Rotan. With the expansion of the rail network, Fisher County became an important transportation hub in the region.
In the 20th century, Fisher County faced some setbacks, including the effects of the Great Depression and a decline in population due to the mechanization of farming. However, the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area in the 1940s provided a boost to the local economy. Today, Fisher County continues to rely on agriculture, oil and gas, and small businesses as its main economic drivers, while also preserving its historical heritage through museums and cultural events.
Fisher County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Fisher County, Texas.
- 1870: Fisher County was established on February 1, 1876, and named after Samuel Rhoads Fisher, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
- 1880s: The first settlement in the area was established near the Clear Fork of the Brazos River.
- 1890s: The county experienced a population boom with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad.
- 1911: The town of Roby was designated as the county seat of Fisher County.
- 1930s: Fisher County, like the rest of the country, was greatly affected by the Great Depression.
- 1940s: The discovery of oil and gas in the county led to economic growth and increased population.
- 1970s: The county faced economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
- 2000s: Fisher County continued to be primarily agricultural, with farming and ranching as the main economic activities.