First National Bank
Historical marker location:FIRST NATIONAL BANK
THOMAS MURCHISON WAS BORN IN TENNESSEE AND GREW UP IN MARSHALL, MISSISSIPPI BEFORE MOVING WITH HIS PARENTS TO HOUSTON COUNTY, TEXAS AROUND 1848. MURCHISON MOVED TO ATHENS AROUND 1855 AND WORKED IN A GENERAL STORE. AROUND 1858, MURCHISON BEGAN HIS OWN MERCANTILE WITH PARTNER JOHN RATCLIFF LOCATED AT 119 TYLER STREET IN ATHENS. ALONG WITH THE VARIETY OF ITEMS SOLD IN THE MERCANTILE, THERE WAS A SAFE THAT TOWNSPEOPLE WOULD USE TO STORE THEIR VALUABLES SUCH AS CASH, JEWELS AND GOLD. AROUND 1887, LOCAL BUSINESSMEN BEGAN TO TALK OF ESTABLISHING A BANK ORGANIZATION. THE APPLICATION WAS SENT TO THE COMPTROLLER OF CURRENCY AND A BANK CHARTER WAS GRANTED IN 1890. BY 1893 THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS DECIDED THAT ANOTHER LOCATION WAS NEEDED AND THE BUILDING NEXT TO R.A. MCDONALD BECAME THE SECOND BANK LOCATION.
D.R. MURCHISON BECAME BANK PRESIDENT IN 1910 AND SERVED UNTIL 1914 WHEN J.W. MURCHISON, SR. SERVED AS BANK PRESIDENT UNTIL 1924. J.W. MURCHISON, SR. WAS A PROMINENT AND INFLUENTIAL CITIZEN WHO HELPED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ATHENS BY FINANCING NEW BUSINESS ENDEAVORS. IN 1924, BROTHERS FRANK AND CLINT MURCHISON TOOK CONTROL OF THE BANK. LOY FREEMAN BECAME BANK PRESIDENT IN 1946 AND HELD THE DISTINCTION OF BEING ONE OF THE FEW WOMEN TO HOLD THAT POSITION. CLINT W. MURCHISON, SR. WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN SECURING THE BANK’S PRESENT LOCATION THAT OPENED FOR BUSINESS ON AUGUST 24, 1962. THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK HAS BEEN A SUCCESS FOR OVER 100 YEARS. ORIGINATING FROM THE WELL-RESPECTED MURCHISON FAMILY, THE BANK HAS BEEN INVOLVED WITH MANY PROJECTS IN HENDERSON COUNTY AS IT GREW AND DEVELOPED.
(2012)
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.
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.
Henderson County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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.