Kemp
Historical marker location:Kemp
This community can trace its origins to 1851, when the U.S. Postal Service approved a station named Kemp with Levi Noble as first postmaster. In the years prior to the Civil War, Kemp was primarily an agricultural community, providing goods and services for the surrounding farm families. Itinerant Presbyterian preacher R.O. Watkins settled near Kemp about 1855 and in 1867 began the Kemp Academy to provide a strong educational center for the schoolchildren in the area.
It was the construction of the Texas Trunk Railroad in the 1880s, however, that boosted Kemp's growth and development. The Texas Trunk was built to connect Dallas with points east and south and later became part of the Texas and New Orleans Rail Line. As the tracks reached Kaufman (10 mi. N) in 1881, the county surveyor was laying out a town plat for Kemp along the projected rail line. By 1882, one year before the railroad even reached Kemp, the community boasted two dry goods stores, a drugstore, grocery, saloon, saddle shop, barbershop, blacksmith, three church congregations and a steam gin and mill.
Although the actual date of Kemp's incorporation has not been determined, it is known that the citizens voted to abolish their incorporation in 1910 and then elected to reincorporate in 1922. Kemp continued to grow, serving as a trade center for the surrounding farms and ranches.
Although the end of World War II signaled a shift in the population to more urban areas, Kemp remains an important community in the history of Kaufman County.
(2002)
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.
Texan women are wonderful - they are strong, ambitious, and know how to get what they want
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.
Kaufman County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.