Historical Marker

Site of Smithfield

Historical marker location:
Livingston vicinity, Texas
( 13.2 miles south of Livingston on SH 146, then 4 miles southwest on FM 2610)
Marker installed: 2001
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Settled in the 1830s, Smithfield was a community and steamboat landing on the Trinity River. One of the area's first settlers was S. C. Hiroms of Kentucky, who arrived in 1830 and made his home on high ground above the Trinity. Hiroms and A. B. Carr of Memphis, Tennessee, are credited with establishing the town of Smithfield. In 1840, Hiroms was appointed postmaster of Smithfield. A stagecoach stop on the Liberty-Nacogdoches Road and a Trinity River port, Smithfield was a trading site for Coushatta Indians, trappers and settlers in this part of what became Polk County. A. B. Carr's son, John F. Carr, came to Smithfield in 1839 and established a cotton gin, grist mill and several sawmills. He also built steamboats, including the "John F. Carr," which saw service in the Battle of Galveston during the Civil War. Smithfield served during the war as a staging area for Confederate troops. By 1871 the post office at Smithfield was discontinued. With the coming of the Houston, East and West Texas Railway to Polk County in 1881, riverboat and stagecoach transportation declined. The population of Smithfield shifted to the north, where a new post office with the name of Ace opened in 1915 with Asa C. Emanuel as the postmaster. Although little physical evidence exists to identify Smithfield, its history is an important part of Polk County's heritage. (2001)

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.

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Polk County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to indigenous peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The region was settled by European explorers in the early 1800s, with the establishment of Stephen F. Austin's colony. Polk County was officially formed in 1846, named after the former United States President James K. Polk.

During the 19th century, the county witnessed significant developments, including the arrival of railroads in the late 1800s, which led to economic growth and an influx of settlers. Timber became the county's most important resource, and the lumber industry boomed, fueled by abundant pine forests. Sawmills and logging camps thrived, shaping the county's economy for many years.

The county's history also includes periods of strife. During the Civil War, Polk County experienced its fair share of conflict, with many residents joining the Confederate army. Additionally, the county suffered from occasional raids by Native American tribes, seeking to regain their land and resist encroachment.

In the 20th century, Polk County continued to progress, with further advancements in transportation and industry. The construction of dams on the Trinity River provided hydroelectric power and created recreational opportunities with the formation of Lake Livingston. Agriculture also played a significant role, particularly in the production of livestock and crops such as cotton.

Today, Polk County is a mix of rural communities and growing suburban areas. Its proximity to Houston has attracted residents looking for a quieter way of life while still having access to urban amenities. The county remains influenced by its past, with reminders of its rich history visible in the form of historic sites, museums, and landmarks that showcase the diverse and fascinating story of Polk County.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Polk County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Polk County, Texas is established.
  • Mid-1800s - Early settlers arrive, primarily farmers and ranchers.
  • Late 1800s - Logging and lumber industry becomes prominent.
  • 1881 - Trinity and Sabine Valley Railway reaches the county, boosting trade and transportation.
  • Early 1900s - Oil and gas exploration begins in the county.
  • 1930s-1940s - The Great Depression and World War II bring economic challenges.
  • 1957 - Lake Livingston is completed, becoming a popular recreational area.
  • 1980s - Tourism and retirement industries grow in the county.
  • 2000s - Population and economic growth continue.