Historical Marker

The Albany News

Historical marker location:
49 South Main Street, Albany, Texas
( on the North end of the sidewalk in front of the Albany News office at 49 South Main Street facing West, one block North of the Courthouse)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

IN 1866, A UNION ARMY REGULAR, HARRY HALL (H.H.) McCONNELL (1837-1895), LEFT PENNSYLVANIA AND TRAVELED TO FORT BELKNAP NEAR JACKSBORO. A NATURAL JOURNALIST, HE WAS A TALENTED WRITER WITH AN INQUISITIVE MIND AND SENSE OF HUMOR. ALONG WITH HIS PARTNER, R. CHANDLER, McCONNELL BEGAN A NEWSPAPER IN JACKSBORO CALLED THE FRONTIER ECHO ON JUNE 30, 1875. LATER THAT YEAR, CAPTAIN GEORGE W. ROBSON (1837-1918), A UNION OFFICER FROM KANSAS, BOUGHT THE ECHO. IN 1878, ROBSON RELOCATED TO FT. GRIFFIN AND RENAMED THE NEWSPAPER THE FORT GRIFFIN ECHO, AND FROM 1883-1884, IT WAS NAMED THE ALBANY ECHO. ROBSON’S NEWSPAPER WAS A SUCCESS WITH MUCH TO SAY ABOUT CRIME, RELIGION, POLITICS, CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND PUBLIC MORALS. IN 1879, EDGAR RYE, A KENTUCKY MAN WHO BRIEFLY WORKED WITH ROBSON, BEGAN A NEWSPAPER CALLED THE ALBANY TOMAHAWK. FOR FOUR YEARS, ROBSON’S AND RYE’S NEWSPAPERS RIVALED EACH OTHER THROUGH PRINT. FINALLY, IN 1884, RYE PURCHASED THE ECHO, MERGED WITH THE ALBANY STAR TO FORM THE ALBANY NEWS (ALSO KNOWN AS THE ALBANY WEEKLY NEWS FROM 1891-1894). WITH THE TALENTS OF DON H. BIGGERS OF BRECKENRIDGE, RYE’S NEWSPAPER WAS LIVELY, UNUSUAL AND EXCELLENT FOR THE WEST TEXAS JOURNALISM WORLD OF THE 19TH CENTURY.

THE 20TH CENTURY EDITORS, PAUL BAKER FROM 1908-1917, COL. DICK McCARTY FROM 1917-1944 AND JOHN McGAUGHEY FROM 1939-1971, GAVE THE NEWSPAPER MORE CREATIVITY AND STABILITY. MANY HISTORIANS REGULARLY USE THESE NOTEWORTHY NEWSPAPERS FOR HISTORICAL RESEARCH AND TO GAIN INSIGHT INTO WEST TEXAS HISTORY. THESE SIGNIFICANT PUBLICATIONS AND CONTRIBUTORS GAVE FUTURE TEXANS KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF FRONTIER LIFE, PEOPLE AND EVENTS

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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Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Shackelford County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The County was officially established in 1858 and named after Dr. John Shackelford, a prominent Texas soldier and statesman.

The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Comanche and Kiowa. However, it was eventually settled by European settlers in the mid-1800s, who sought fertile land for ranching and farming. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further boosted the local economy and brought new opportunities for growth.

During the Civil War, Shackelford County witnessed significant military activities. Confederate troops were stationed in the area, and the county saw skirmishes and battles between local troops and Union forces. After the war, the County experienced a period of reconstruction and recovery, as settlers worked to rebuild their communities and infrastructure.

In the early 20th century, Shackelford County was predominantly an agricultural and ranching community. However, the discovery of oil in the region in the 1920s transformed the local economy. Oil wells and refineries were established, attracting new industries and jobs to the area. The County experienced a period of prosperity and development during this time.

Today, Shackelford County continues to be a vibrant community with a thriving agriculture industry, supported by ranching, farming, and oil production. Its rich history is preserved and celebrated through various historical sites and museums, offering visitors and locals a glimpse into the county's past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Shackelford County, Texas.

  • 1858 - Shackelford County is created by the Texas Legislature from portions of Bosque, Travis, and Young counties.
  • 1874 - The first settlers begin arriving in the area.
  • 1875 - Fort Griffin is established as a U.S. Army outpost.
  • 1878 - The county seat is moved from Fort Griffin to Albany.
  • 1880 - The Texas Central Railroad extends its line to Albany, boosting the local economy.
  • 1883 - The town of Moran is founded.
  • 1900 - Oil and gas is discovered, leading to an economic boom in the county.
  • 1940 - World War II brings an increase in military activity to the area.
  • 1979 - The Shackelford County Historical Commission is established to preserve the county's history.
  • 2000 - The population of Shackelford County reaches its peak, with over 3,300 residents.