Historical Marker

Athens Lodge No. 165 A.F. & A.M.

Historical marker location:
2030 Hwy. 175 East, Athens, Texas
( On HWY 175; 1.25 mi. from town.)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

ATHENS LODGE NO. 165 A.F. & A.M., FOUNDED IN 1854, WAS THE FIRST MASONIC LODGE TO BE ORGANIZED IN HENDERSON COUNTY. HENDERSON COUNTY HAD BEEN CREATED IN 1846, AND THE THIRD COUNTY SEAT, ATHENS, HAD BEEN FOUNDED IN 1850. THE GROUP EMPHASIZED MORALITY, TRADITION, FELLOWSHIP AND SELF-IMPROVEMENT, AND HOPED TO INSTILL THE VALUES IN THE BURGEONING COMMUNITY.

THE FIRST OFFICIAL MEETING OF THE ATHENS LODGE OCCURRED ON APRIL 4, 1854, ABOVE A STORE ON THE ATHENS PUBLIC SQUARE OWNED BY JOHN P. WALTON, WHO BECAME THE LODGE’S FIRST MASTER. FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS, THE LODGE OPERATED UNDER A DISPENSATION FROM THE GRAND LODGE OF TEXAS. THE LODGE BEGAN WITH ELEVEN MASTER MASONS, BUT BY 1856 MEMBERSHIP HAD INCREASED TO FIFTY-TWO, AND A CHARTER WAS OBTAINED FROM THE GRAND LODGE ON JANUARY 24, 1856.

LODGE MEMBERS CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HENDERSON COUNTY IN THE AREAS OF BUSINESS, FINANCE, EDUCATION, HEALTHCARE, AGRICULTURE, LAW AND PUBLIC SERVICE. THROUGH THE YEARS, MEMBERS OF THE ATHENS MASONIC LODGE HELPED TO ESTABLISH LODGES IN THE NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES OF SCIENCE HILL, NEW YORK, MALAKOFF, CHANDLER, BROWNSBORO AND EUSTACE.

LODGE MEMBERSHIP REMAINED STEADY THROUGH RECONSTRUCTION, AND THEN DOUBLED DURING THE 1880s, AND DURING THE PROSPEROUS 1920s A MEMBERSHIP OF 200 MASONS WAS ATTAINED. BY 1955, OVER 350 MASONS CALLED THE LODGE HOME, AND MEMBERSHIP REMAINED RELATIVELY LEVEL THROUGH THE 1970s. ALTHOUGH MASONIC MEMBERSHIP HAS DECREASED THROUGHOUT THE STATE SINCE THE LATE 20TH CENTURY, THE ATHENS LODGE NO. 165 A.F. & A.M. CONTINUES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AS A LEADING HENDERSON COUNTY INSTITUTION

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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Texas random facts
Henderson County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. The land became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was formally organized as Henderson County in 1846, named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas.

In the mid-19th century, Henderson County experienced a significant influx of settlers, mainly from the southern United States. These settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, taking advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate to grow crops such as cotton, corn, and vegetables. The first county seat was established in Athens, which remains the county seat to this day.

During the Civil War, Henderson County, like much of the South, was affected by the conflict. Although there were no significant battles fought in the area, the war had a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Many men from Henderson County enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the war's aftermath brought significant challenges and changes to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Henderson County continued to thrive, with the agricultural industry playing a pivotal role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing opportunities for trade. Over time, other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare also emerged. Today, Henderson County remains a vibrant community, preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress and growth.

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

  • 1846 - Henderson County established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850 - First census conducted, showing a population of 1,714.
  • 1851 - Athens becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Henderson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - Cotton production becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1902 - The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1930s-1940s - Henderson County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Cross Lake Dam and the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fish Hatchery and Fish Experiment Station.
  • 1960s-1970s - Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake are created, attracting tourism and real estate development.
  • 1987 - The Henderson County Courthouse is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt and restored.
  • 2000 - The population of Henderson County reaches 73,277.
  • 2019 - Henderson County celebrates its 173rd anniversary since establishment.