Cotton Belt Building
1517 W. Front St., Tyler, TXThe Cotton Belt Building, constructed in 1954 in Tyler, Texas, represents a well-preserved example of a modernist office building blending International Style and Art Deco, serving as the corporate headquarters for the St. Louis Southwestern Railway and contributing to the city's economic development during the East Texas oil boom, making it eligible for National Register of Historic Places listing based on its historical, architectural, and community development significance.
Constructed in 1954 from plans drawn by Cotton Belt president H. J. McKenzie and prominent Ft. Worth architect Wyatt C. Hedrick, the two-story and basement Cotton Belt Building is a good local example of a modernist office building that combines the International Style and Art Deco classicism. The building is significant for its architecture and as the corporate headquarters and general offices of one of Tyler's most successful, long-lived, and economically important businesses. The building consolidated the railway's Texas and Missouri rail operations under one roof and brought the corporate headquarters back to Tyler, where the rail line began in the 1870s. The building also is significant for its low-rise International Style/Art Deco architecture. Built during a period of prosperity for the Cotton Belt line and a time of continued population growth and economic expansion fostered by the East Texas oil industry, the building is related to the historic context of Community Development in Tyler, Smith County, Texas 1846-1950. The Cotton Belt Building is categorized as a commercial resource, which is defined in more detail in the Historic and Architectural Resources of Tyler, Texas Multiple Property National Register nomination. The Cotton Belt Building is one of five commercial buildings in Tyler to utilize elements of the International Style but differs from the other local examples in size and massing and incorporation of Art Deco elements. The Cotton Belt Building is maintained in good condition and retains a very high degree of integrity. It derives its primary significance from its associations with the St. Louis Southwestern Railway, from development patterns during the height of Tyler's oil boom, which spanned more than 40 years and fostered intensive community development and from its architectural form. For these reasons, the Cotton Belt Building is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places at the local level under Criteria A and C in the areas of significance of community development and planning, commerce and architecture within a period of significance extending from 1954 to 1955. Although the period covered by the historical context could not be extended beyond 1950 for financial reasons, Tyler's social, economic and development patterns continued unchanged from the late 1940s into the 1950s. Thus the period of significance for this building is extended to the current 50-year mark, which is 1955.
Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2005.
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.
During the turbulent times of the American Civil War, Smith County experienced significant unrest. Many residents in the county owned slaves, and tensions ran high between Union and Confederate sympathizers. The Battle of Blackjack Grove took place in August 1864, and although it was a minor skirmish, it reflected the deep divisions and struggles faced by the county during the war.
Following the war, Smith County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and population. During this period, the town of Tyler established itself as a principal commercial center, attracting businesses and settlers from surrounding areas.
In the 20th century, Smith County continued to thrive with the growth of agriculture, oil, and manufacturing industries. Tyler became known as the "Rose Capital of the World" due to its substantial rose-growing industry. The county has also been a center for education, with the establishment of schools and universities.
Today, Smith County remains a vibrant and dynamic part of Texas. Its rich history, from its Native American roots to its role in the Civil War and beyond, provides a fascinating backdrop to its current achievements and endeavors.
Smith County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Smith County, Texas.
- 1846 - Smith County is established by the Texas legislature.
- 1847 - The county seat is designated at Tyler.
- 1850 - The population of Smith County reaches 1,726.
- 1861-1865 - The Civil War impacts the county, with many residents serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1877 - The Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Tyler, boosting the local economy.
- 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardships to Smith County.
- 1932 - The East Texas Oil Field is discovered, leading to an oil boom in the area.
- 1950s - The construction of highways and infrastructure brings further growth and development to the county.
- 1995 - The Smith County Historical Society is formed to preserve the county's history.
- Present - Smith County continues to thrive as a regional economic and cultural hub in East Texas.