Historical Marker

Washington Iron Works Inc.

Marker installed: 1978
Marker size: 27" x 42"

In 1875 Solon Totten (1847-1932) made two horseback trips to Texas from Quincy, Ilinois, searching for better conditions for the family blacksmith business. Finding stage companies operating out of Sherman which required blacksmith services, he persuaded his father and family to move here. In 1876 Solon and his brother Levi Totten (1844-1915) opened "Totten Bros. Blacksmith" on Cherry Street. The business made wheels for freight wagons and stagecoaches and repaired the vehicles.

L. L. Roussel, Adolph and Max Seisfeld, Noah Swain and Levi and Solon Totten were the original stockholders. The name changed in 1881 to "Washington Iron Works". In 1890 the firm moved to East Lamar Street and settled here. By 1893 the Totten brothers and their father Joseph (1821-1906) gained full ownership. It remains in the Totten family. After 1904 Solon operated the company with his sons Harry (1877-1964) and Jesse (1880-1946) until he retired in 1922. Harold Totten (1900-1969) ran the company with his father Harry after Jesse's death.

The foundry section closed in 1938. During World War II, the shop made gun barrel molds. This industry, the oldest in Sherman, has expanded to a worldwide service for oil and gas processing, petrochemical plants, power generation and marine interests

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.

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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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped 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.