Sugarloaf Mountain
Historical marker location:Sugarloaf Mountain is located near the confluence of the little river and Brazos River and is capped with red sandstone rock. A large American indian group lived in a village known as Rancheria Grande de los Ervipiame. Remnants of twenty-two nations comprised the group, but the Ervipiame were the dominant members. some of the Ervipiame later entered the San Antonio missions, but most joined the Tonkawa, Mayeye and Yojuane tribes.
Early American settlers learned of the indian trails and used them when traveling. sugarloaf mountain was an important landmark on the old road system, later identified as part of El Camino Real or “the king’s highway,” and was used until 1790. during the 1820s, a similar route was used that traveled from San Felipe to the Waco Indian Village, which later became Waco. In 1866, Texas governor J. W. Throckmorton sent a letter to the Department of Indian Affairs granting the Tonkawa people a league of land in the area, but they were already relocated to Oklahoma in the 1850s and never received their land. developers James Jackson and Jon Holloway purchased the land that contained sugarloaf mountain which they divided and resold. during this time, the top of the mountain was removed because it was believed to hold treasures but after public outcry, the digging stopped. the mountain is recognized by Milam County, the state of Texas and the national parks service as an important landmark. many from the Tonkawa Native American tribe believe that sugarloaf mountain is the site of the origins of their people. in 2004, El Camino Real de los Tejas was designated as a national historic trail in Texas
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.
In 1825, the Mexican government issued land grants in the region, attracting a wave of American immigrants to the area. In 1834, the Mexican government designated Milam County as a separate municipality, and it was named after Benjamin Rush Milam, a prominent Texas revolutionary. After the Texas Revolution in 1836, the region experienced continuous growth and development.
During the mid-19th century, agriculture became the primary industry in Milam County, with cotton being the dominant crop. Many plantations were established, relying on slave labor until the abolition of slavery in 1865. The county also saw the establishment of several small towns, including Cameron, Rockdale, and Buckholts, which served as centers of trade and commerce.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the arrival of the railroad played a significant role in the county's development. The expansion of rail lines allowed for easier transportation of goods and people, boosting the local economy. The county experienced periods of prosperity and setbacks, including the Great Depression, but managed to rebound and adapt to changing economic conditions.
Today, Milam County remains an agricultural hub, known for its production of cotton, corn, and livestock. It is also home to scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and a vibrant community that values its history and heritage. The county continues to evolve, embracing new opportunities while preserving its cultural roots.
Milam County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Milam County, Texas.
- 1824 - Milam County is part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas
- 1837 - The Republic of Texas establishes Milam County as a separate entity
- 1846 - Milam County is officially part of the state of Texas after the Texas Annexation
- 1860s - Milam County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to the railroad expansion
- 1874 - Cameron is selected as the county seat of Milam County
- 1940s-1950s - Milam County becomes an important hub for oil and gas production
- 1960s-1970s - Milam County faces economic decline due to the decrease in oil and gas production
- 1990s - Milam County experiences some economic revitalization through tourism and the establishment of new industries