Historical Marker

Site of Bullard Community

Historical marker location:
Madisonville vicinity, Texas
( 3 miles south of Madisonville on SH 90 right-of-way, at Ranch Lane)
Marker installed: 2001
Marker size: 27" x 42"

(3 miles east)

Alabama native Calvin Cullee Bullard (1824-1882) brought his family to this area from Hunt County, Texas, in 1867 and settled on 160 acres of land between Bedias Creek and Caney Creek. In their new home, he and his second wife, Zillah (Woodbury), reared three of Bullard's children from his first marriage and six of their own. Calvin Bullard had a blacksmith shop in the community that bears his name, and several of his descendants followed in his footsteps. The Bullards were also farmers, as were other families in the area, raising cotton as their primary cash crop. Active beyond their community, Calvin E. Bullard served a term as county tax assessor-collector and Rube Bullard was a justice of the peace and five-term Madison County commissioner. A one-room schoolhouse was built in the Bullard community to address the educational needs of the neighboring children. It operated from 1890 until 1923. Worship services were held in the schoolhouse, as well as in an outdoor brush arbor when the weather permitted. Calvin and Zillah Bullard and many of their descendants are buried in the bethel cemetery in nearby Grimes County. Their contributions to Madison County history as early settlers and the founders of a community reflect the settlement patterns in this part of Texas and remain an important part of the area's history. (2001)

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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Madison County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich history that traces back to its establishment in the mid-19th century. The area was initially occupied by indigenous tribes, including the Caddo and the Coushatta. However, the arrival of European settlers drastically altered the region's demographics and culture.

In 1821, Texas received independence from Spain, and the area that encompasses Madison County became a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. In 1836, after the Texan Revolution, Texas gained its independence from Mexico and Madison County was created as a separate entity in 1853. It was named after the fourth U.S. President, James Madison, and was primarily established as a farming community due to its fertile soil and abundance of water sources.

During the Civil War era, Madison County, like much of Texas, supported the Confederate States of America. Many of the residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area experienced its fair share of conflict and devastation. Following the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy, relying on agriculture and ranching as key industries.

Throughout the 20th century, Madison County continued to thrive agriculturally. Cotton became a major crop, and the county became known for its production and processing. The discovery of oil and gas fields further bolstered the economy, providing a new source of wealth and employment opportunities. Today, Madison County is a vibrant community that celebrates its rich history while embracing economic diversification and growth.

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

  • 1837 - Madison County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas
  • Mid-1800s - Pioneers settle in the area, primarily of Anglo-American descent
  • 1853 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Madisonville
  • Late 1800s - The county experiences population growth with the arrival of railroad lines
  • 1861-1865 - Madison County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • Late 1800s to early 1900s - Agriculture, including cotton, becomes a major industry in the county
  • 1911 - The discovery of oil leads to the development of the oil industry in the county
  • 20th century - Madisonville becomes an important center for trade and commerce in the region
  • Present - Madison County remains a rural area with a diverse economy including agriculture, oil, and tourism