Hartfield Building
Historical marker location:Charles A. Hartfield purchased the lot on this site in 1881. A noted area cook, he quickly established "Charley's Restaurant," which included a bakery and boardinghouse. Hartfield was so successful that he planned an elegant rock structure in which to house his business. Construction began in March 1884 amid a flurry of development in the area. Scottish stonemason Patrick McDonnell, who was responsible for much of the stonework on the new courthouse, was foreman of the Hartfield worksite. The project's scope proved too grand for Hartfield's finances, however, and in September 1884 he sold the building to J. C. Lynch. Financially ruined, Hartfield was found dead within the year.
Lynch sold his building in 1885 to three Albany businessmen: Max Blach, N. H. Burns and Sam Webb. Charles Hartfield's widow, Lettie Hartfield, joined them as an equal partner and the group completed the structure, probably using Charles Hartfield's original plans. The building was occupied over time by such businesses as a grocery, a general merchandise store, a bowling alley and an auto repair shop. The Albany Masonic Lodge began meeting in the structure as early as 1893, and it became known
As "The Masonic Building" to local residents. Real estate magnate L. H. Hill purchased the building in 1925, and the Masonic Lodge bought it in 1940.
Damage from nesting bats caused part of the building's limestone front to tumble into the street in 1954. The Masons took down the façade and rebuilt it with yellow brick. Sold again in 1996, the building was renovated and its façade was reconstructed to reflect its former grandeur as one of Albany's finest early structures. (2000)
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.
The stars at night are big and bright, deep in the heart of Texas.
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.
Shackelford County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.
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