Nellie Gray Robertson
Historical marker location:Born in 1894 as the sixth and only daughter of William Jarrett Robertson and Arminda Barton Robertson, Nellie Gray Robertson grew up amid financial hardships in Hood County. She entered the University of Texas in the fall of 1912 and attended for six years. Nellie passed the Texas Bar in 1918 to join the male-dominated profession of law. Nellie returned to Hood County to run in the Democratic Party primary for county attorney. She became the first female county attorney in the State of Texas. Between 1918 and 1926, Nellie was elected county attorney for three terms. In 1922, she ran for county judge of Hood County against four men and lost. However, in May of the next year, Nellie returned to the county attorney's seat. She was named to sit as chief justice on the first all-woman Texas Supreme Court in 1925 but she could not serve because of the rule that any justice had to have practiced law for at least seven years. She was a couple of months shy of this requirement. Nellie lived at home with her mother on Travis Street in Granbury and never married. After Nellie left elected office in 1926, she moved to New York City to write law books for Doubleday Publishing. Nellie returned to Texas to work for the Stewart Abstract and Title Guarantee Company in Houston in 1927. She was promoted to manage the Stewart Title Company in Beaumont where she worked for 20 years. Nellie was also a partner in the Beaumont law firm Stewart, Burgess, Morris, and Robertson. Nellie was very active in the community, serving as grand matron of the Granbury chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star. Nellie Robertson helped open the doors for women to become involved in politics and positions of power in Texas. (2014)
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.
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.
Hood County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.