Williams-Atkinson Homestead
Historical marker location:This house, built in 1893, was the vision of Thomas Herbert Williams, a South Carolina native and descendant of Rhode Island founder Roger Williams, and his wife Emma (Massengale). An officer in the Palmetto Sharpshooters of the Confederate Army, he left his home state shortly after the Civil War and arrived in Milam County in 1866.
Williams became a prosperous landowner in Texas, accumulating approximately 5,000 acres over time. He was a major cotton producer in the central Texas region and built his own cotton gin. Thomas and Emma made plans to build a residence at this site, but he passed away before its completion. She finished the homestead in 1893 and successfully ran the farm and household.
Eldest daughter Amelia Worthington Williams subsequently raised her four sisters following Emma's death in 1897; all five received college degrees. Amelia studied history at the University of Texas, where she earned a doctorate, becoming an authority on the Battle of the Alamo. Her research provided the names of the defenders later memorialized at the San Antonio shrine.
Another Williams daughter, Harriett Emily, married Hubert leland Atkinson, who assumed management of the estate after Emma's death. Family descendants have since continued to manage and maintain the historic property for well over a century.
The Williams-Atkinson House features Folk Victorian styling with a modified two-story gable front and wing plan, assymetrical façade, and double gallery porches on the front and rear. Other details include cutaway bays on the front and side elevations, spindlework friezes and jigsawn corner brackets and balustrades.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2006
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