Historical Marker

Raymond C. Morrison

Historical marker location:
3220 Rock Springs Road, Fort Worth, Texas
( 3220 Rock Springs Road, Fort Worth)
Marker installed: 2011
Marker size: 27" x 42"

RAYMOND C. MORRISON WAS BORN ON SEP. 13, 1900 IN ALWORTH, ILLINOIS, TO PHILLIP HUNTLEY AND EDITH ADELLA (CLEVELAND) MORRISON. ON JUN. 9, 1924, HE GRADUATED FROM THE NEW YORK STATE COLLEGE OF FORESTRY AT SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY. MORRISON MARRIED HELEN ESTELLE STEELE ON FEB. 28, 1924, AND THEY HAD TWO CHILDREN.

MORRISON IS NOTED FOR BEING FORT WORTH’S FIRST CITY FORESTER, BEGINNING JAN. 1926. HIS MOST PROMINENT WORKS WERE AN ARBORETUM AND A NATIONALLY-RECOGNIZED MUNICIPAL ROSE GARDEN IN ROCK SPRINGS PARK, WHICH LATER BECAME FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN IN 1934. HE RESIGNED IN DEC. 1938 TO FORM A LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE FIRM WITH EUGENE CARTER. MORRISON WAS NAMED DIRECTOR OF HOLLAND’S SOUTHERN INSTITUTE FOR TOWN SERVICE IN JUL. 1939 WHICH WAS INITIATED AS A WAY TO ADDRESS ISSUES POINTED OUT IN THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY COUNCIL’S REPORT ON THE SOUTH’S ECONOMIC CONDITIONS. IN MAR. 1941, MORRISON BECAME FEDERAL COORDINATOR WITH THE FEDERAL SECURITY AGENCY’S OFFICE OF COORDINATOR FOR HEALTH, WELFARE, AND RELATED DEFENSE ACTIVITIES. IN 1947, HE FOCUSED ON HIS OWN BUSINESS VENTURES INCLUDING A SOIL COMPANY AND TURKEY RANCH. IN 1951, HE BECAME THE SOUTHWEST REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES WITH THE U.S. AIR FORCE.

DURING HIS TERM AS CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF PARK EXECUTIVES, HE CO-AUTHORED THE BOOK LET’S GO TO THE PARK WITH MYRTLE E. HUFF. MORRISON WAS ALSO KNOWN FOR HIS PUBLIC SPEAKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, MAGAZINE AND JOURNAL ARTICLES, AND THE VARIOUS COMMUNITY GROUPS HE STARTED. HE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE AND DIED OF PNEUMONIA ON APR. 12, 1989. HIS ASHES WERE SPREAD AT THE FORT WORTH BOTANIC GARDEN

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.

botany
Texas will again lift it's head and stand among the nations. It ought to do, for Texans consumed with greatness
Sam Houston in Letter to the thirteen Texas municipalities
Tarrant County, Texas, has a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. The area was initially inhabited by indigenous tribes before European exploration and settlement. In the mid-19th century, the region became part of the Republic of Texas after gaining independence from Mexico.

Tarrant County was established in 1849 and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader during the Texas Revolution. The county experienced significant growth and development throughout the 19th century, fueled by factors such as the expansion of railroads, cattle ranching, and the discovery of oil.

During the 20th century, Tarrant County continued to flourish and adapt to changing times. It became an important hub for transportation, commerce, and industry. The county's largest city, Fort Worth, emerged as a major center for cattle trading and eventually diversified into a vibrant economic and cultural hub.

Today, Tarrant County is one of the most populous counties in Texas, encompassing Fort Worth and several other cities and communities. It boasts a diverse economy, encompassing sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Tarrant County is also home to renowned educational institutions, cultural attractions, and recreational opportunities, making it a dynamic and thriving region within the state.

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

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was inhabited by indigenous tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlement.

  • 1849: Tarrant County was officially established and named after Edward H. Tarrant, a military leader in the Republic of Texas.

  • 1850s: Fort Worth, the county seat, began as a military outpost on the Trinity River, providing protection for settlers and serving as a stop on the Chisholm Trail cattle drive route.

  • Late 19th Century: The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s spurred economic growth in Fort Worth and the county. The city became a center for the cattle industry, agriculture, and trade.

  • 20th Century: Tarrant County experienced significant urbanization and diversification. Fort Worth became a major hub for the oil and gas industry, aviation, and defense with the establishment of military bases.

  • Civil Rights Era: Tarrant County, like many regions in the United States, faced challenges and changes during the civil rights movement, with efforts to achieve racial equality and social progress.

  • Modern Times: Tarrant County continues to thrive as a major economic and cultural center in Texas. It is home to a diverse population and industries such as healthcare, finance, technology, and education.