Town of Dawson
This community grew out of Spring Hill (4 mi. NE), the oldest settlement in Navarro County. A Republic of Texas Indian agent, Dr. George Washington Hill, started Spring Hill in 1838 as a trading post to improve relationships with the Indians.
When Britton Dawson (1817-1905) came to Texas, he lived first in Jasper County. He settled at Spring Hill in 1846 on land he received as bounty for his service in the Battle of San Jacinto. Married twice and the father of 13 children, Dawson moved here in 1847 and later built a large home that served as a stagecoach stop.
In 1881 the Texas & St. Louis Railroad, known later as the "Cotton Belt," came through here on its route from Tyler to Waco. Dawson's sons, David E. and W. H., and their wives gave 100 acres in 1881 for a townsite on the new railroad. Named for the Dawsons, the town grew rapidly. Residents of Spring Hill, excited about business prospects, moved here. The railroad promptly set up a box car for a depot. Churches and schools were established immediately. Many merchants as well as the Masonic Lodge moved here from Spring Hill. This shift of population caused the Spring Hill community to decline while Dawson flourished
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 is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
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