Gregg County, Texas

Allis-Chalmers Pumps Alpine Presbyterian Church Bethel Baptist Church Big Inch Pipeline Brown-Birdsong House Bumpus House Campbell "Honeymoon Home" Cherokee Trace Dalton Gang's Last Raid Danville Community David Sutton Meredith David Sutton Meredith, Jr. Dean-Keener-Crim House Delta Drilling Company Dr. E. L. and Nannie Lewis Walker House Driller Park Dundee Angus Ranch Home, 1859 Early Teague Home Elmira and Aaron T. Castleberry, II Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church Everett Building F. L. Whaley House Finch Family Home First Baptist Church of Judson First Baptist Church of Kilgore First Baptist Church of Longview First Christian Church of Longview First Franchised Motor Bus Line in Texas First Methodist Church of Longview First Presbyterian Church First Presbyterian Church of Longview First United Methodist Church of Gladewater Fisher Cemetery Former Site of Longview High School Foshee Family Homestead General John Gregg Gladewater Grable Cemetery Greenwood Cemetery Gregg County Gregg County Discovery Oil Well, F. K. Lathrop A-1, Aransas Fuel Oil Co. Gum Spring Presbyterian Church (New Danville) Harmon General Hospital Chapel Jerusalem Baptist Church John Ben Shepperd John Ben Shepperd John Tyson Smith Johnny Cace's Seafood and Steak House Judge J. N. Campbell Home Kilgore Kilgore College Administration Building Kilgore Colored and C. B. Dansby Schools Kilgore High School Kilgore National Bank Building Kilgore Public Library Lewis-Bivins House Liberty City Longview Longview Community Center Longview Junction Longview Municipal Building and Central Fire Station Longview Train Depot Longview Womack High School Lou Della Crim Home Martin Hays Mt. Pleasant Cemetery New Hope Missionary Baptist Church New Providence Cemetery Northcutt House Noted Texas Leader, Developer, Conservationist, Carl L. Estes O. H. Methvin O. H. Methvin, Sr., Founder of Longview Old Fredonia Townsite Oliver H. Pegues Peatown Christian Church Pine Tree Cumberland Presbyterian Church Pleasant Green Baptist Church Point Pleasant Post Oak Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Preachers Hill Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church Rembert-Harrison House Robert Gilmour LeTourneau Rock Springs Schoolhouse Rockwall Farm Rosedale Cemetery Sabine River Off Shore Wells Saint Mark C. M. E. Church Sherman Chapel Missionary Baptist Church Shiloh Baptist Church Site of Alexander Institute Site of Earpville Site of Harmon General Hospital Site of James S. Hogg Newspaper Site of Shiloh School St. Anthony Catholic Church St. Luke's United Methodist Church Summerfield Methodist Church Temple Emanu-El The Courthouses of Gregg County The Grove The Kilgore I&GN-Missouri Pacific Railroad Station The New Deal Era in Kilgore Turner Home Wartime Home Industry White Oak Baptist Church White Oak Independent School District Winterfield Cemetery Winterfield Methodist Church World's Richest Acre

Gregg County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a vibrant history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee nations. Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century, but it wasn't until the early 19th century that European settlement began in the area.

In 1839, Gregg County was established as part of the Republic of Texas, named after Texas Confederate States Army General John Gregg. The county grew slowly over the next few decades, with agriculture and cattle ranching being the primary industries. The discovery of oil in East Texas in the early 20th century brought significant economic growth to Gregg County. The prolific East Texas Oilfield attracted oil companies and workers from across the country, leading to a population boom.

During World War II, Gregg County played a crucial role in the war effort. The county's industrial base expanded rapidly as several defense plants were established in the area. The influx of workers and industries contributed to the county's postwar growth and prosperity.

Since then, Gregg County has continued to develop and diversify its economy. It is known for its agriculture, oil and gas production, manufacturing, and healthcare industries. The county is home to the city of Longview, which serves as the county seat and is a major cultural and economic hub in East Texas. Today, Gregg County boasts a rich history, a thriving community, and a promising future.
Brief timeline of the history of Gregg County, Texas:

  • 1841 – The Texas Congress establishes Gregg County as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846 – Gregg County becomes a part of the United States as part of the state of Texas.
  • 1849 – The city of Longview is established as the county seat of Gregg County.
  • 1861-1865 – Gregg County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many men serving in the Confederate Army.
  • 1872 – The Longview and Pacific Railroad is completed, connecting Gregg County to the national railway system.
  • 1873 – The first public school in Gregg County opens in Longview.
  • 1930s – The discovery of the East Texas Oil Field leads to an economic boom in Gregg County.
  • 1936 – The East Texas State Teachers College (now known as Texas A&M University-Commerce) opens a branch in Longview.
  • 1980 – The Longview Mall, the first enclosed shopping mall in East Texas, opens in Longview.
  • 2006 – The East Texas Oil Museum, showcasing the history of the oil industry in the region, opens in Kilgore.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Gregg County, Texas.

Audiobooks about the history of Texas.