Historical Marker

County Named for Famous Confederate General John Bell Hood

Historical marker location:
Granbury, Texas
( 100 block of Pearl Street, Granbury courthouse lawn)
Marker installed: 1963
Marker size: 1936 Centennial Marker (pink granite)

Born Kentucky. West Point graduate. Army service on Texas frontier led Hood to adopt the Lone Star State. Resigned U.S. Army 1861 to serve South. Commanded 4th Texas Infantry. Led "Hood's Texas," most renowned Confederate Brigade. Rose rapidly to Lieutenant General. Known as "The Fighting General" for leadership in the Army of Northern Virginia. Although lost leg Battle Chickamauga, became commander Army of Tennessee.

A memorial to Texans who served the Confederacy

Erected by the State of Texas 1963

  A brief timeline of the Civil War

  • April 12, 1861: The Civil War begins with the Confederate attack on Fort Sumter, located in South Carolina's Charleston Harbor.

  • April 15, 1861: President Abraham Lincoln issues a call for 75,000 volunteers to serve in the Union Army to suppress the rebellion.

  • May 24, 1861: The first major land battle, known as the First Battle of Bull Run (or First Battle of Manassas), takes place in Virginia. It ends in Confederate victory.

  • September 17, 1862: The Battle of Antietam in Maryland becomes the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with heavy casualties on both sides. The Union forces, commanded by General George McClellan, manage to halt Confederate General Robert E. Lee's advance into Union territory.

  • January 1, 1863: President Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, declaring that all slaves in Confederate-held territories are to be set free. However, the proclamation does not immediately free all slaves in the United States.

  • July 1-3, 1863: The Battle of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania takes place, resulting in a significant Union victory and inflicting heavy casualties on Confederate forces. It marks a turning point in the war.

  • November 19, 1863: President Lincoln delivers the Gettysburg Address, emphasizing the principles of liberty, equality, and the preservation of the Union.

  • April 9, 1865: General Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union General Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House in Virginia, effectively ending the Civil War.

  • April 14, 1865: President Lincoln is assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C.

  • May 10, 1865: Confederate President Jefferson Davis is captured, signaling the collapse of the Confederate government.

  • December 6, 1865: The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, officially abolishing slavery throughout the country.

While this timeline provides an overview of key events, it is important to note that the Civil War spanned over four years, from 1861 to 1865, and encompassed numerous battles, campaigns, and political developments that shaped the course of American history.

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.

Civil War military topics
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Hood County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history spanning centuries. The area was initially inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Lipan Apache. European settlement began in the 1850s when the Texas legislature established Hood County in 1866, named after Confederate General John Bell Hood.

The county quickly grew as settlers arrived, and Granbury, the county seat, was founded in 1867. Throughout the late 1800s, Hood County experienced significant developments in infrastructure, including the construction of roads, bridges, and the arrival of the railroad. These advancements facilitated trade and brought newfound prosperity to the area.

The late 19th century also witnessed the impact of the Civil War and Reconstruction era on Hood County. Former slaves were granted freedoms, and the county's demographics started to shift. The farming and ranching industries flourished, with cattle becoming a primary economic driver.

In the 20th century, Hood County continued to grow and adapt. With the advent of the automobile, transportation improved and helped connect the county with surrounding areas. The county's economy diversified, incorporating industries such as manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. Today, Hood County is known for its natural beauty, historic downtown areas, and vibrant community, attracting tourists and new residents alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Hood County, Texas.

  • 1856 - Hood County is established on January 25.
  • 1860s - The community of Hood County is primarily settled by Anglo-Americans.
  • 1867 - The town of Granbury is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1875 - The city of Granbury is incorporated.
  • 1885 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Granbury.
  • 1890s - Hood County experiences an oil boom, leading to increased population and economic growth.
  • 1921 - The Hood County Courthouse is built.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression impacts Hood County, causing financial hardship for many residents.
  • 1947 - Lake Granbury is created by the construction of De Cordova Bend Dam.
  • 1970 - The Hood County Historical Museum is established.
  • 1990s - Hood County sees significant population growth due to its proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.