Historical Markers in
Kaufman County, Texas

1899 Automobile Trip Ables Springs Ables Springs Cemetery Baker Cemetery Bethlehem Baptist Church Birthplace of City of Kaufman; Site of King's Fort Brooklyn Lodge No. 386, A.F. & A..M. Capt. Edward Thomas Broughton and the Johnson Guards Captain Israel Spikes Carnegie Library Building Carnegie Public Library Cartwright House Cedar Grove Cemetery Cedarvale Cemetery Church of Our Merciful Saviour Church of the Good Shepherd City of Crandall Colonel Isham Chisum Cottonwood Baptist Church Cottonwood Cemetery Cottonwood Cemetery Covenant United Presbyterian Church Dick P. Moore House Dixie Overland Highway (U. S. Highway 80) Dr. L. E. Griffith Home Dry Creek Cemetery Duncan and Emma McKellar House First Baptist Church of Kaufman First Baptist Church of Mabank First Baptist Church of Terrell First Christian Church of Kaufman First Christian Church of Terrell First Presbyterian Church of Forney First Presbyterian Church of Mabank First Presbyterian Church of Terrell First United Methodist Church First United Methodist Church of Terrell Forney Forney High School Building Forney Independent School District Fox Cemetery Frank Reaugh Greenslade Drug Store Griffith House Hillcrest Cemetery Hillcrest Cemetery Homesite of Gov. Oscar Branch Colquitt Huff-Park House John H. Corley Home Kaufman County Kaufman County Indigent Cemetery Kaufman County Poor Farm Kaufman Lodge No. 726, A.F. & A.M. Kaufman Pioneer Cemetery (Love Family Cemetery) Kemp King's Fort Lawrence Cemetery Locust Grove Lone Oak Cemetery Mabank Major W.F. Long Marrs, S. M. N. McKellar House Methodist Church, 1844 Morrow Chapel Cemetery Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church Mrs. William P. King No. 1 British Flying Training School Oakland Memorial Park Oakland Memorial Park Pioneer Cemetery Poetry Baptist Church Poetry Methodist Church Porter Farms Prairieville Public Education in Terrell Pyle Prairie Cemetery R. L. Warren House Robert A. Terrell Robert A. Terrell Home Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ Rockwall and Brin Church of Christ Roddy Lodge No. 734, A.F. & A.M. Rose Hill Cemetery Rosser Depot of the Texas Midland Railroad Saint John Catholic Church Terrell Elementary School Terrell State Hospital Terrell State Hospital Cemetery Texas & Pacific Railroad Freight Depot Texas Midland Railroad The American National Bank of Terrell The Forney Messenger The Old Graveyard (Pioneer Cemetery) Victorian Residence, 1883 (Cartwright House) W. E. Henderson Home Walter Dickson Adams and the Adams Drugstore Walter P. and Meck Allen House White Hall School William and Blanche Brooks House William Henry Burnett William Madison McDonald
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
Texas random facts
Kaufman County is situated in the northeastern part of Texas and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Cherokee, and Comanche. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, and the county was officially established on March 24, 1848, named after David S. Kaufman, one of the earliest Texans to serve in the U.S. Congress.

During its early years, Kaufman County experienced growth and development, with agriculture playing a prominent role in the local economy. Farming and ranching became essential industries for the county, with cotton and livestock production leading the way. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the county's growth, connecting it to major cities and facilitating trade.

In the early 20th century, Kaufman County began to modernize rapidly. The advent of the automobile allowed for better transportation and communication networks, linking the county's rural communities. The development of infrastructure, including roads and highways, further enhanced connectivity between towns. Schools, hospitals, and businesses also experienced significant advancements during this time, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.

Today, Kaufman County continues to thrive as a suburban county with a growing population. It boasts a mix of agricultural, industrial, and residential areas, offering a blend of rural charm and urban amenities. The county's rich history is celebrated through local museums, historical sites, and community events, reminding residents and visitors alike of the importance of preserving and cherishing its past.

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

  • 1848 - Kaufman County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1852 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Kaufman.
  • 1857 - The first newspaper, the Kaufman Herald, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - Kaufman County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1873 - Terrell is founded and becomes a major railroad hub.
  • 1886 - The Texas State Railroad extends its line into Kaufman County.
  • 1895 - The Kaufman County Courthouse is destroyed by fire and later rebuilt.
  • 1936 - Lake Ray Hubbard is created by the construction of the Rockwall-Forney Dam.
  • 1965 - Kaufman County celebrates its centennial.
  • 2013 - Tragically, Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia are assassinated.