Historical Marker

Cunningham Home

Historical marker location:
411 E. Thornton Street, Three Rivers, Texas
( Northwest corner of East Thornton St. and North Hermann Avenue)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

JAMES AND SARA CUNNINGHAM HOUSE

LATE IN 1899 JAMES (JIM) MONROE CUNNINGHAM MOVED TO OAKVILLE FROM DEVINE AND BOUGHT THE LIVE OAK COUNTY LEADER. CUNNINGHAM SOON MARRIED SARA EMMA (O’NEAL) AND THEY BEGAN A FAMILY. WHEN OAKVILLE WAS BYPASSED BY THE SAN ANTONIO UVALDE AND GULF RAILROAD (SAU&G), CUNNINGHAM MOVED HIS FAMILY AND BUSINESS SEVEN MILES WEST TO HAMILTONBURG (LATER NAMED THREE RIVERS). HE THEN CONTRACTED THE FIRST PERMANENT HOME IN THE NEW TOWN AS MOST DWELLINGS WERE TEMPORARY TENT-LIKE STRUCTURES.

GEORGE D. SMITH CONTRACTED TO BUILD THE CUNNINGHAM HOME AND COMPLETED IT IN SEPTEMBER 1913. THE PRAGMATIC ONE-STORY, FIVE-ROOM FRAME HOUSE WITH WOOD SHINGLED ROOF INCORPORATED SEVERAL ARCHITECTURAL STYLES, INCLUDING CONTEMPORARY PRAIRIE AND FOURSQUARE WITH ELEMENTS OF VICTORIAN. A LARGE ENCLOSED HALLWAY EXTENDING FROM THE FRONT DOOR TO THE BACK DOOR AND TWELVE FOOT CEILINGS CREATED A CONVECTION EFFECT PERMITTING COOL SOUTHERLY COASTAL BREEZES THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE.

THE HOME’S SPACIOUS INTERIOR OFTEN SERVED AS THE FOCAL POINT FOR MANY SOCIAL EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY. THE CUNNINGHAM FAMILY MADE NUMEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THREE RIVERS THROUGH OWNING AND EDITING THE AREA’S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER, THE LIVE OAK COUNTY LEADER (AND THEN THE THREE RIVERS NEWS), SERVICE ON THE FIRST SCHOOL BOARD AND LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOL ACCREDITATION, ORGANIZATION OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, AND MUSICAL INSTRUCTION AND MENTORING. THIS HISTORIC HOME, WHICH IN ITS FIRST 100 YEARS SURVIVED TWENTY FLOODS AND THE ATLANTIC GULF HURRICANE OF 1919 AND HURRICANE BEULAH IN 1967, EMBODIES THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOUTH TEXAS TOWN OF THREE RIVERS

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.

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Live Oak County is located in the southern part of Texas and has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Before European settlement, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan, Karankawa, and Lipan Apache tribes. These indigenous peoples relied on the region's abundant natural resources, including honey mesquite, live oak trees, and wildlife.

In the early 18th century, Spanish explorers began to venture into the area, searching for new territories to claim. It wasn't until the early 19th century when Anglo-American settlers arrived in the area. The Spanish government offered land grants to attract settlers, and many families moved to Live Oak County, establishing small ranches and farms. The region's fertile soil and mild climate made it ideal for agriculture, and cotton and cattle quickly became the mainstay of the local economy.

During the mid-19th century, Live Oak County witnessed significant growth and development. In 1856, the county was officially established, named after the live oak trees that were abundant in the area. By this time, more settlements had sprung up, and businesses flourished, including general stores, cotton gins, and blacksmith shops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted the county's economy, allowing for easier transportation of goods and access to markets.

The early 20th century brought challenges to Live Oak County, as the agricultural sector faced disruptions due to drought, the Great Depression, and changes in farming practices. However, the discovery of oil in the early 1940s brought a significant economic boom, transforming the county once again. Oil companies flocked to Live Oak County, bringing jobs and prosperity to the area. The oil industry continues to be a vital part of the county's economy to this day, alongside agriculture and other industries.

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

  • 1846 - Live Oak County is established as a separate county by the Texas legislature.
  • 1848 - The county is officially organized.
  • 1850s - The population begins to increase due to the establishment of ranching and farming operations.
  • 1881 - The San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway is completed, connecting the county to other parts of Texas.
  • 1890s - An oil boom occurs in the county, leading to increased economic activity and population growth.
  • 1920s - The oil industry experiences a decline, leading to a decrease in population and economic slowdown.
  • 1930s - The county is heavily affected by the Great Depression, with many residents facing unemployment and poverty.
  • 1940s - The end of World War II brings an economic boost to the county as industries begin to recover.
  • 1970s - The county experiences another oil boom, leading to increased oil production and economic growth.
  • Present - Live Oak County remains a primarily rural area, known for its agriculture, oil production, and outdoor recreational activities.