Francis Marion Martin
Historical marker location:FRANCIS MARION MARTIN
Francis Marion Martin, also known as “Swamp Fox of Navarro,” was a 19th century Texas politician, holding the office of Lt. Governor from 1883-1885. In the dynamic post-Civil War period, he championed farmers and laborers, garnering significant African American support. Martin was born in Kentucky in 1830 and orphaned at an early age. He was raised by the Hodge family of Livingston County and married Mary Catherine Hodge in 1849. The Hodge family decided to move to Texas and Martin was chosen to lead the move. He journeyed to Chatfield’s Springs in northeast Navarro County and moved his family there in 1853. Martin later established himself as a successful horse breeder and farmer in an area called Wadesville.
In 1858, Martin campaigned for U.S. Senator Sam Houston and became interested in Texas politics. He was elected to the Texas State Senate in 1859 as a National Democrat due to his connection to Houston. Martin was one of the county enrolling officers and was named captain of the militia company for Rush Creek in Beat No. 3. In the 1861 state senate election, Martin lost his seat and entered the Confederate Army in 1862 where he was elected captain of his cavalry company. Because of frail health, he spent much of the war at home. Martin was widowed in 1869 and remarried in 1877 to Angie Harle. Martin returned to public life after reconstruction as a constitutional convention delegate in 1875. Later, he won a state senate seat as a Democrat representing Navarro County. He was proud of being a “farmer-senator” and was elected president pro tem of the senate with farm organization support. Denied the governorship in 1886 and 1888, he became a Populist Party leader. Martin died at his home in Corsicana in 1903.
(2014)
MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF 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.
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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