Historical Marker

Mantua Masonic Lodge No. 209, A. F. & A. M.

Historical marker location:
Van Alstyne, Texas
( Waco at Cooper St.)
Marker installed: 1983
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The organizational meeting for this Masonic Lodge was held on Feb. 7, 1857, on the second story of H. N. Walcott's store building in the village of Mantua (2 mi. SW). With district Deputy Grand Master J. J. Harrison officiating, the first meeting was attended by J. M. Enloe, W. A. Portman, J. L. Leslie, W. M. Akens, A. J. McDonough, A. C. White, H. N. Walcott, J. L. Lovejoy, G. W. Strother, and J. S. Stewart. Other charter members of the lodge included Younger Scott McKinney, who had laid out the townsite several years earlier, and James W. Throckmorton, who later served as governor of Texas. A two-story lodge building was completed in 1859. The Masons met on the upper floor, while the first story housed a private school, the Mantua Seminary.

After Van Alstyne was established on the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in 1872, most of the businesses and other establishments in Mantua, including the Masonic Lodge, moved to the new town. The lodge members held meetings in various locations until 1898, when they purchased the Carter building on the Town Square. In 1976 the lodge moved to its current location.

Mantua Masonic Lodge No. 209 has provided valuable service to schools, churches, and needy persons, and remains an important part of the history of this area

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.

fraternal organizations
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
Gray County, located in the Texas Panhandle, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The earliest known inhabitants of the area were the Plains Indians, including the Comanche and Kiowa tribes, who roamed the grasslands and utilized the region's abundant wildlife for sustenance.

European settlement in Gray County began in the late 19th century, driven by the expansion of railroads and the cattle industry. The area became a popular destination for cattle ranchers, with the establishment of large ranches and the construction of stockyards and rail lines. The growth of the cattle industry played a significant role in shaping the county's early economy and attracting settlers to the region.

In 1876, Gray County was officially organized and named after Peter W. Gray, a prominent Texas lawyer and judge. The county seat, Pampa, was established in 1892 and experienced rapid growth due to the discovery of oil in the early 20th century. The oil boom created a surge in population and economic activity, bringing prosperity to the region.

Throughout the 20th century, Gray County continued to thrive due to its diverse economy, including agriculture, oil and gas, and manufacturing industries. The area's agricultural sector remained strong, with crops like wheat, sorghum, and cotton being cultivated. Additionally, manufacturing companies set up operations in the county, further contributing to its economic stability.

Today, Gray County is a thriving community with a mix of rural and urban areas. It continues to be a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. The county's rich history is celebrated through various cultural events and museums, providing visitors with a glimpse into the area's past.

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

  • 1876: Gray County was officially organized and named after Peter W. Gray, a Texas lawyer.
  • 1887: The first post office in Gray County was established.
  • 1889: The town of Pampa was founded and became the county seat of Gray County.
  • 1902: The first railroad, Southern Kansas Railway, reached Pampa, leading to significant growth and development.
  • 1924: A significant oil discovery, the White Deer Oil Field, sparked an oil boom in Gray County.
  • 1934: The county experienced severe damage and loss of life due to a devastating tornado.
  • 1952: The Pantex Ordnance Plant, a major nuclear weapons assembly and disassembly facility, was established in Gray County.
  • 1965: Lake McClellan, a reservoir on the Red River, was completed and became a popular recreational area.
  • 1995: The historic Gray County Courthouse, built in 1929, was restored and designated as a Texas Historic Landmark.