Blind Willie Johnson
Historical marker location:Willie Johnson was born near Independence, Texas, in 1897 to Willie and Mary (Fields) Johnson. His family moved to Marlin when Johnson was a young boy, and it was there that he first learned gospel songs at church; his first guitar was said to be made from a cigar box. Johnson lost his sight as a child, possibly as the result of an accident at home.
Johnson grew up in and around Marlin singing on the streets there and in nearby Hearne. He later moved to Dallas and continued as a sidewalk performer. Between 1927 and 1930, Johnson recorded a total of 30 songs in four recording sessions in Dallas, New Orleans and Atlanta for Columbia Records’ “Race” series (for African American artists), and sold about 5,000 records each year from 1929 to 1934. Johnson and his family settled in Beaumont, purchased a home there, and lived in the town for the rest of his life. After his recording career ended, Johnson earned a meager living as a street musician and preacher; he operated the house of prayer in his home at 1440 Forrest Street.
After Johnson’s death in 1945, his recordings brought him great commercial popularity, and his music has been rereleased several times and covered by many notable musicians. His gospel recordings display his moving but raspy singing voice and mastery of the slide guitar. In 1977, Johnson’s recording of “Dark was the Night, Cold was the Ground” was chosen for inclusion on the golden record compiled to showcase the diversity of earth’s cultures and sent out of our solar system on the Voyager 1 Spacecraft
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 early 1820s, Empresario Joseph Vehlein obtained a contract to settle 300 families in the region. The land, once inhabited by the Atakapa people, soon attracted settlers of various origins, including Americans, Europeans, and enslaved Africans. The area became known for its fertile soil, offering ideal conditions for agriculture and ranching.
The city of Beaumont was established in the mid-19th century and quickly developed into a major trading and shipping center due to its access to the Neches River and the Gulf of Mexico. The discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 marked a turning point in the county's history, as the region experienced a significant oil boom. This brought great prosperity and transformed the area's economy, leading to the development of the petrochemical industry in the following decades.
Throughout the 20th century, Jefferson County witnessed various social and economic changes. It played a key role in World War II, serving as the location for significant military activity, including the establishment of one of the largest military shipbuilding centers in the country. The county also experienced desegregation struggles during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1950s and 1960s, which eventually led to greater equality.
Today, Jefferson County continues to be an important industrial center for petrochemicals and petroleum-related industries. It is also home to a diverse population and offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
Jefferson County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Jefferson County, Texas.
- 1836: Jefferson County is established as a municipality of the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: The town of Beaumont is founded.
- 1840: Jefferson County becomes part of the newly-formed State of Texas.
- 1845: Texas is admitted to the United States, and Jefferson County becomes a county within the state.
- 1858: A railroad is completed, connecting Beaumont to surrounding areas.
- 1865: The Civil War ends, and Jefferson County begins to recover from the war's impact.
- 1881: The Spindletop oil field, the first major oil discovery in Texas, is found in Jefferson County.
- 1901: The Lucas Gusher at Spindletop oil field erupts, launching the Texas oil boom.
- 1925: The Neches River is first navigable by deep-draft vessels, boosting the county's shipping industry.
- 1943: The Port of Beaumont is established as a major center for the shipping and petrochemical industries.
- 1989: Hurricane Gilbert strikes Jefferson County, causing significant damage to the area.
- 2005: Hurricane Rita makes landfall in Jefferson County, leading to widespread devastation.
- 2017: Hurricane Harvey causes widespread flooding in Jefferson County.