Marshall Hall
Historical marker location:As part of a 1912 plan to build the College of Marshall (now east Texas Baptist University), Marshall Hall is the oldest building on campus. Marshall hall was constructed on a high point of the former Van Zandt Family Plantation. Trustees of the college and Dr. William T. Tardy, a pastor of the First Baptist Church and an ardent supporter of the college, purchased 100 acres of land on January 27, 1912, from the K.M. Van Zandt family for $25,000. The trustees received the college charter from the state of Texas after a 1912 community effort to create a southern Baptist college in east Texas. Thurman C. Gardner, a Baptist training union leader, began his presidency of the college in 1913. Trustees m. Turney, W.T. Twyman, and M.P. McGee served on the building committee, while architect George Burnett of Waco designed Marshall hall.
Breaking ground on July 5, 1915, the Caddo Construction Company of Muskogee, Oklahoma, fulfilled the building contract. Completed in 1916, Marshall Hall included administrative offices, a gymnasium, laboratories, a library, classrooms, and a chapel-theater. Built with Jacobean-Tudor and neoclassical design elements, the four-story building was built to be “thoroughly modern and strictly fireproof.” The Marshall Lodge No. 22 of the ancient free and accepted masons laid the building’s cornerstone. The student body first occupied Marshall Hall in 1917 with the inaugural academic session of the college of Marshall. Marshall Hall underwent interior renovations in the 1950s, 1980s, and 1990s, and remains a chief campus landmark and symbol of educational excellence. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2013
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.
You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Harris County experienced rapid economic diversification and growth. The discovery of oil in the Spindletop field fueled Houston's emergence as an energy and petrochemical hub. Industries like cotton, lumber, shipping, and manufacturing thrived. NASA's Johnson Space Center further solidified the county's significance in space exploration and technology.
Harris County's demographic diversity is a defining aspect, attracting immigrants from various backgrounds. Houston became a cosmopolitan city with a vibrant culinary scene, dynamic arts community, and diverse festivals, reflecting its multicultural fabric.
Today, Harris County remains an influential economic and cultural center. Its strong economy spans energy, healthcare, technology, and international trade. The county houses renowned medical facilities and research institutions. Despite facing natural disasters, Harris County showcases resilience and implements measures to mitigate their impact.
With its rich history, economic vitality, multiculturalism, and ongoing growth, Harris County continues to shape Texas as a thriving hub of commerce, culture, and innovation.
Harris County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Harris County, Texas.
Pre-19th Century: The region was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa.
1822: Harrisburg, the county's first settlement, is founded by John Richardson Harris, a pioneer and one of the early Texas colonists.
1836: The Battle of San Jacinto, which secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place in present-day Harris County.
1837: Harris County is officially established and named after John Richardson Harris.
19th Century: Houston, the county seat and the largest city in Texas, experiences rapid growth due to its strategic location along Buffalo Bayou and the construction of railroads. The city becomes a major commercial and shipping hub, attracting industries such as cotton, lumber, and oil.
20th Century: The discovery of oil in the nearby Spindletop field and the subsequent growth of the oil industry greatly contribute to Harris County's economic development. Houston becomes an energy and petrochemical center.
1960s-1980s: The space industry plays a crucial role in Harris County's history with the establishment of NASA's Johnson Space Center, where mission control for the Apollo program is located.
Today: Harris County continues to be a thriving economic and cultural center. It is home to a diverse population, numerous industries, world-class medical facilities, and renowned cultural institutions.