Wilson-Ledbetter Park
In 1914, Lizzie Batey Ledbetter Wilson deeded twenty-five acres to the City of Cameron, relating in her deed “her consideration of the love and affection for the people of Milam County and of the City of Cameron and her desire to provide for them and their children, for all time to come, a play-ground.” Lizzie was born in Tennessee in 1839 to Isaac and Julia Ledbetter, and in 1853 her family settled six miles east of Cameron. Both her parents died by 1863 from consumption, and Lizzie and her husband, William Wilson, raised her younger siblings as their own children, the first of more than twenty foster children Lizzie raised.
After the creation of the park at the height of the city beautiful movement, the city received numerous requests from organizations to use the park for encampments, recreational uses and meetings. The Cameron Herald reported on November 16, 1933 that the Civil Works Administration (CWA), a federal new deal program, would fund improvements at the park and provide work for hundreds of unemployed men. The Herald reported on May 2, 1935 that “when the Texas centennial celebration is held in Texas in 1936, Cameron should have one of the most beautiful parks in the state to contribute to the beauty spots in Texas.” The CWA project included thousands of tons of native petrified wood, sand rock and oak logs to build clubhouses, barbecue pits, bridges, tables and seats, and for erosion control along creeks and a five-acre lake stocked with fish. A cabin was also built for a park caretaker, a position still active in the 1950s. For generations, Lizzie Ledbetter Wilson’s gift to her hometown has provided a center for social and recreational activities and a landscape for unforgettable experiences
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.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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 glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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