Montague Catholic Cemetery
Historical marker location:Settlers from mountain provinces of northern Italy began arriving in Montague in the early 1880s. The families of Barretto Raimondi, Jack Fenoglio, Antonio Perona and Charlie Corado were among the earliest here. By the early 1900s, there were as many as fifty Italian families. Most of these Italian immigrants were Catholic, and in 1901 they established St. John Catholic Church in Montague. The Most Rev. E. J. Dunne, bishop of Dallas, bought three acres for a cemetery on April 28, 1900. The land was laid out in four sections surveyed into blocks, and Giroloma Vitali was the first burial in 1901. Gravestones exhibit Italian heritage as well as families of German, Polish and Hispanic descent. More than 250 marked and unmarked graves are now recorded here. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2016
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.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
The county's namesake, Daniel Montague, arrived in the area in 1854 and became one of the first permanent settlers. Montague County was officially established and organized in 1858, with Montague serving as its first county seat. However, due to ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes and accessibility issues, many of the early settlements faced challenges in their development.
The discovery of oil and gas reserves in Montague County in the early 1900s brought significant economic development to the region. This led to an increase in population and infrastructure, and the county experienced a boom in oil production during the mid-20th century. The county's economy diversified over time to include agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, contributing to its growth and stability.
Today, Montague County is known for its picturesque scenery, with rolling hills, vast prairies, and scenic rivers attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The county also celebrates its history through its various museums, historical landmarks, and annual events, preserving the heritage and culture of the area for future generations to appreciate.
Montague County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Montague County, Texas.
- 1857: Montague County is established by the Texas legislature
- 1860: The first county courthouse is built in the town of Montague
- 1861-1865: Montague County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War
- 1874: The town of Saint Jo is founded
- 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway extends into Montague County, promoting economic growth
- 1884: The town of Nocona is established
- 1900: The Montague County courthouse burns down and is subsequently rebuilt
- 1930s: The Great Depression and Dust Bowl impact the county, causing economic hardship
- 1957: The Montague County Courthouse is again destroyed by fire but is reconstructed
- 2000: The county experiences population growth and ongoing development