Albert and Ethel Herzstein
Historical marker location:Albert H. Herzstein was born March 5, 1907, into a Jewish immigrant family in
Trinidad, Colorado. The family lived in Clayton, New Mexico, and moved to
Denver, Colorado, before Albert moved to Houston in 1925 and began working for
a small welding company. Ethel Ann Davis was born April 13, 1896, in Fulshear,
to a pioneer family. Albert and Ethel met in Houston and the pair married on
September 17, 1927.
Albert's business career began when he purchased a one-third share in a
welding company that eventually grew to become Big Three Industries. Albert
worked his way up to executive vice president and director before establishing
Herzstein Investments, Inc., a subsidiary of the Albert and Ethel Herzstein
Charitable Foundation established in 1965. Ethels family was instrumental in
starting the First United Methodist Church in Fulshear and after the couple
attained financial success, Ethel suggested in 1979 that they gift a new
sanctuary for the church in memory of their parents. After this initial gift,
Alberts appreciation of the hardships of small communities further inspired
the couple to create grants through their foundation for deserving causes
including education, religion, support services for the underprivileged and the
Arts.
The couple was married until Ethel's death on May 6th, 1983. In recognition of
his contributions, Albert, who never finished high school, received an honorary
high school diploma from St. Pius High School and a doctorate from the
University of St. Thomas. In 1993, Albert was named Philanthropist of the Year
by the Columbus Foundation of Ohio. He ran the foundation and real estate
business until he died at age 90 on March 16, 1997.
(2016)
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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
One pivotal event in the county's history was the arrival of sugar cane cultivation in the 1840s. Immigrants from Germany and other European countries brought their expertise in sugar production and established large sugar plantations in Fort Bend County. The growth of the sugar industry substantially impacted the county's economy and led to the arrival of enslaved African Americans, who provided labor on these plantations.
During the American Civil War, Fort Bend County remained primarily loyal to the Confederate cause. Many residents joined Confederate units and fought in several battles, such as the Battle of Palmito Ranch and the Battle of Pleasant Hill. Following the war, the county experienced a period of reconstruction and worked towards diversifying its agricultural production.
The 20th century brought further transformations, with the discovery of oil and gas in the county. The newfound oil industry spurred economic growth and development, as well as population growth. Fort Bend County also played a vital role in the civil rights movement, with several significant milestones, including the integration of public schools in 1963. Today, Fort Bend County is a thriving and diverse community, known for its rich history, strong economy, and cultural diversity.
Fort Bend County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Fort Bend County, Texas.
- 1822: Stephen F. Austin grants land to his secretary, Samuel M. Williams, who establishes the Fort Bend settlement near present-day Richmond, Texas
- 1824: Mexico establishes Fort Bend County as part of Austin's Colony
- 1837: Fort Bend becomes an official county in the Republic of Texas
- 1841: The new county courthouse is built in Richmond
- 1856: Sugar production becomes a major industry in Fort Bend County
- 1861: Fort Bend County residents support secession and the Confederacy during the Civil War
- 1900: The first rail line, known as the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railway, arrives in Fort Bend County
- 1920: The discovery of oil leads to an economic boom in the county
- 1941: Sugar Land Regional Airport opens to support military training during World War II
- 1959: The town of Stafford is incorporated
- 1990: Fort Bend County's population exceeds 200,000