Historical Markers in
Liberty County, Texas

Abshier Cemetery Andrew Jackson Isaacks Atascosito Atascosito Augustine B. Hardin Benjamin W. Hardin Bryan, Pryor Bryan-Neyland Cemetery Burton B. Tarkington Captain William M. Logan Casa Consistatorial (Courthouse Square) Catholic Cemetery City Cemetery City of Cleveland Cleveland-Partlow House Col. Edward Bradford Pickett Concord Baptist Church Cornelius De Vore Dayton's Old School Edward Thomas Branch First Baptist Church of Dayton First Methodist Church of Dayton Franklin Hardin French Cemetery Gillard - Duncan House Griffin-Methodist Cemetery Hardin Methodist Church Henry O. Ager Home Hill and Sara McClanahan House Homesite of George Orr Homestead of John S. and Jane Susanna Lee Brown, 1856 Hugh B. Johnston James B. Woods James B. Woods John Cherry Judge Walter S. Neel House Kalita, Chief of the Coushatta Indians Lallemand, Riguad and Other French Settlers Liberty County Liberty County Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 48, A. F. & A. M. Liberty Methodist Church Linney Cemetery Luke Bryan Mexican Hill Milton Ashley Hardin Near Site of Early Meat-Packing Plant Oak Shade Baptist Church Old Wells' Store Ott Hotel Plaza Constitucional (Municipal Square) Plaza de Carcel, y Casas de Correccion Plaza de Mercado Plaza Iglesia Parroquial (Parish Church Square) Price Daniel Riggs Cemetery Rural Shade Baptist Church Sam Houston in Liberty County Schools of Tarkington Prairie, The Seven Courthouses of Liberty County Seven Pines Site of Liberty's Ursuline Convent Site of the Town of Grand Cane St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Stilson Tarver Abstract Company The Noble Garvey House The Runaway Scrape The Schools of Tarkington Prairie The Trinity River Thomas Jefferson Chambers Home Tom Hill House William Hardin
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Liberty County, Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapa and Akokisa tribes. In the 18th century, European settlers began to arrive, with the Spanish establishing missions in the region.

The area now known as Liberty County was organized in 1831 when Mexico granted the land to Stephen F. Austin's colony. The city of Liberty, which eventually became the county seat, was established in 1831 as well. During the Texas Revolution, Liberty County played a significant role, with local residents actively supporting the cause of independence.

In the mid-19th century, Liberty County experienced rapid growth due to the arrival of settlers attracted to the region's fertile soil and natural resources. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further fueled development and brought prosperity to the county. The oil boom led to an influx of people and increased economic activity, transforming the county's economy and landscape.

Throughout its history, Liberty County has faced challenges such as natural disasters, including hurricanes and floods, which have impacted the region. Despite these challenges, the county has thrived and continues to be an important part of Texas's cultural and economic fabric. Today, Liberty County is known for its historical landmarks, natural beauty, and vibrant communities that celebrate and preserve its rich heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Liberty County, Texas.

  • 1831 - Liberty County was established as a municipality of Mexico
  • 1835 - The Battle of Nacogdoches occurred during the Texas Revolution
  • 1836 - Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to the formation of the Republic of Texas
  • 1846 - Liberty County became a part of the newly established state of Texas
  • 1854 - Liberty County's courthouse was constructed, which still stands today
  • 1861 - The American Civil War began, resulting in a significant impact on the county's economy
  • 1865 - The Civil War ended and Liberty County began the process of reconstruction
  • 1875 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway reached Liberty County, spurring economic growth
  • 1900 - The Great Galveston Hurricane caused significant damage to Liberty County and the surrounding area
  • 1920s - Oil was discovered in Liberty County, leading to increased economic activity
  • 1937 - The Trinity River flood caused widespread devastation in Liberty County
  • 1950s - 1960s - The civil rights movement brought significant changes to Liberty County
  • 1983 - The San Jacinto River oil spill resulted in environmental damage
  • Present - Liberty County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, oil, and natural gas industries