Timpson
In 1884, Houston businessman Paul Bremond (1810-1885), and other investors began planning for a new railroad to connect Houston and Shreveport, Louisiana. Surveys soon began along the proposed route, and in 1885 the town of Timpson was founded, named for Paul C. Timpson, the railroad official who laid out the town. The Houston, East and West Texas Railroad, a narrow gauge system, was soon a reality, and the first passenger train arrived in the new town on August 1, 1885.
The first businesses in the new town were two stores, separated by a pine thicket which would later be cleared for use as the town square. Within a year, the population had grown to 1,000.
Within the first year of Timpson's founding, a school was begun, and churches and fraternal organizations were organized. Many businesses were established, including a newspaper; grocery, drug, and other retail stores; an ice company; factories; and banks. The town became an important East Texas lumber, cotton, and rail center, as well.
Railroads continued their important role in Timpson until the 1940s, when development of state roads and highways decreased the use of rail shipments.
Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986
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 Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
In 1835, the Mexican government granted land in the area to Stephen F. Austin's colony, which attracted many settlers to Shelby County. The county was officially established in 1836 and named after Isaac Shelby, who was the first governor of Kentucky. The county's population grew steadily, and by the mid-19th century, it became a major center for agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop.
During the Civil War, Shelby County, like many other parts of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. It sent many men to fight in the Confederate army, and the local economy suffered from the effects of the war. However, the county rebounded after the war, and by the late 19th century, it experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil and gas reserves.
In the 20th century, Shelby County continued to thrive, with the oil and gas industries playing a significant role in its economy. The county also witnessed significant social and political changes, with the Civil Rights Movement bringing about integration and equal rights for African Americans. Today, Shelby County remains an important agricultural and industrial center, with a mix of rural landscapes and urban developments.
Shelby County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Shelby County, Texas.
- 1823 - Shelby County is established
- 1836 - Shelby County plays a role in the Texas Revolution
- 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, including Shelby County
- 1859 - The Texas State Legislature establishes Center as the county seat of Shelby County
- 1861-1865 - Shelby County is deeply affected by the American Civil War
- 1905 - The discovery of oil leads to economic growth in Shelby County
- 1940s-1950s - Shelby County experiences a decline in population due to rural-to-urban migration
- 1976 - Shelby County celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
- 2000s - Shelby County continues to be home to a diverse and vibrant community