Corsicana Commercial Historic District
Roughly bounded by 2nd Ave., the Southern Pacific RR tracks, 7th Ave. and Main St., Corsicana, TX Local significance of the district:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
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