General Lucian K. Truscott, Jr.
(Jan. 9, 1895 - Sep. 12, 1965) Chatfield native Lucian King Truscott, Jr. rose through the ranks of the U.S. Army to serve in World War II and the Cold War with distinction. He is the only American officer in World War II to command in battle a regiment, a division, a corps, and a field army. His leadership proved essential to victory. As World War I raged in Europe, Truscott harbored a secret ambition to obtain a commission in the U.S. Army. He did not see overseas duty in France, but instead was assigned to the 17th Cavalry on the Mexican border. His years between the World Wars were typical for Army officers, involving transfers to various posts and continued military education. Truscott's first World War II assignment was to the British Isles to study amphibious landings on a hostile shore. Here, he created the first unit of army rangers. He saw his first major action in the failed August 19, 1942, allied raid on the fortified French port of Dieppe. Next he was selected to command one of Maj. Gen. George S. Patton's task forces in North Africa. Here he excelled and within four months he was given command of the 3rd Infantry Division and prepared them for Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily (July 1943). Major General Truscott's 3rd Division fought hard in Italy and by spring 1944, he was moved up to command of the U.S. VI Corps and planned the allied amphibious invasion of southern France in August 1944. By November 1944 he earned command of the Fifth U.S. Army in Italy and participated in the 1945 spring offensive that was instrumental in compelling German forces to surrender. At war's end, he was assigned command of the Third U.S. Army and the military district of Bavaria, with administrative responsibility for the Nuremburg trials in 1945-1946. After army retirement, in 1951 he served the C.I.A. in west Germany, coordinating the collection of intelligence on the Soviet Union. During his years with the CIA, he was promoted to general, retiring in 1959. 175 Years of Texas Independence * 1836 - 2011
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 a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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 concise overview of the key events in 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