Barry
Historical marker location:This agricultural community was named for Corsicana businessman Bryan T. Barry, who developed the land deeded for the townsite by early settlers Dave and Effie Wright. The Barry Post Office was established in 1886, the same year the St. Louis, Arkansas & Texas Railroad came through the town. The first post office was housed in the general store operated by Owen Taylor, who also was the town's first postmaster. Henry Allison later served as rural mail carrier for 40 years.
Early businesses in Barry included the First State Bank, which operated from 1909 until 1931, grocery stores, gas stations, drugstores, blacksmith shops, a newspaper office, a meat market, a cafe, and a hotel. In 1910, W. T. Woodruff and R. W. Varnell formed Woodruff and Co., which sold dry goods, hardware, and farm implements.
Settlers were attracted to the area by its rich farmland, and by 1920 most of the land had been cleared and planted in cotton. Barry's first cotton gin was established in 1899 by Dan McCammon, and E. Y.Jordan and Jack Hodge also operated early gins. Methodist and Baptist churches were organized by the end of the 19th century, and the Barry School, which opened in 1895, served the area until 1958.
(1985)
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 was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
During the 19th century, the area that is now Navarro County became part of the Republic of Texas and later the state of Texas. In 1848, the county was officially established and named after José Antonio Navarro, a prominent Tejano leader and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county seat, Corsicana, was established in 1848 and quickly grew due to its location along the railroad.
Corsicana became known as the "Oil City" in the early 20th century when significant oil discoveries were made in the county. The discovery of the Corsicana oilfield in 1894 brought an economic boom to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil companies and refineries. The county's economy flourished as a result, with Corsicana becoming a prosperous industrial and manufacturing center.
In addition to its oil industry, Navarro County has a strong agricultural heritage. Cotton farming was widespread in the county during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with large plantations and slave labor playing a significant role. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural region, with cattle ranching, corn, and wheat farming being key industries.
Overall, Navarro County's history is marked by its Native American roots, European settlement, oil discoveries, and agricultural prominence. Today, the county retains its historical significance while also embracing modern industries and attractions.
Navarro County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Navarro County, Texas.
- 1846 - Navarro County established as one of the original counties of Texas
- 1848 - Corsicana chosen as the county seat
- 1850 - First courthouse built in Corsicana
- 1861-1865 - Navarro County heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1868 - Construction of the second courthouse in Corsicana
- 1871 - Corsicana becomes an important trading center for cotton
- 1881 - First discovery of natural gas in Corsicana leads to development of the oil industry
- 1894 - Construction of the third and current courthouse in Corsicana
- 1900 - Corsicana becomes the first Texas city to establish a municipal airport
- 1930s - Navarro County affected by the Great Depression; agriculture and oil industries suffer
- 1942-1945 - Corsicana Naval Air Station plays a significant role during World War II
- 1956 - Corsicana becomes the birthplace of the Collin Street Bakery fruitcake
- 1960s-1970s - Navarro College is established and begins to grow
- 1980s-1990s - Corsicana becomes a popular filming location for movies and TV shows
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina evacuees temporarily housed in Navarro County
- 2010 - Corsicana celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
- 2017 - Corsicana locates one of the largest oil fields in Texas in Wolfberry Trend
- 2020 - Navarro County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic