Monticello Missionary Baptist Church
Historical marker location:The community of Monticello dates from the 1850s and was named for Thomas Jefferson's home in Virginia. The government awarded a post office on May 5, 1857, with Cicero J. Corder as the first postmaster. Theodore Stiewig, a later postmaster, operated a steam mill which was the largest business in the community. The settlement remained small, and in the 1890s Monticello had stores, blacksmiths, two mills, two gins, a brick factory and a school.
The community historically supported Monticello Baptist and Spring Hill churches. Minutes of the area Rehoboth Baptist Association first reference Monticello Baptist Church in 1878. That year, E. Blanton was pastor and J.W. Barrow and E.Y. Bynum were messengers to the association meeting. The church first met on Bynum's land, and in 1919 the congregation moved here, on one acre sold by W.P. and Stella Jones. A new church building was erected soon after. The wood frame sanctuary is a cross-gabled T-plan building with paired double-hung wood windows and shiplap wood siding. Congregation members donated pine trees, hauled by mule-drawn wagons to Will Taylor's planing mill to saw into lumber. About 19 members worked on the church and construction took three months to finish, being completed in November 1919.
The church has been a spiritual and social center for the community since its founding. During the 1950s, church members sewed quilts donated to the Texarkana Baptist Orphanage and the Lena Pope Home for Orphans in Fort Worth. By the early 21st century, area land was being used for recreational lakes and lignite mining, and the church was one of few historic resources remaining in Monticello. The congregation remains active although church services are held infrequently.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2007
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 the early years, the county was predominantly agricultural, with cotton being the primary crop. The development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and roads, played a significant role in the county's growth and success. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to the growth of towns such as Mount Pleasant, the county seat.
During the Civil War, Titus County, like many areas in Texas, was deeply affected by the conflict. Many residents joined the Confederate army, and the county faced economic hardships as a result. After the war, the region slowly recovered, and the economy diversified to include industries such as timber, oil, and manufacturing.
In the 20th century, Titus County continued to grow and develop. The discovery of oil in the 1930s brought significant prosperity to the county, attracting new industries and boosting the local economy. Today, Titus County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county has also worked to preserve its historical heritage, with several historical sites and museums showcasing its rich past.
Titus County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Titus County, Texas.
- 1846 - Titus County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
- 1852 - The county seat is established in the town of Mount Pleasant.
- Late 1800s - The county experiences significant growth due to the arrival of railroads.
- 1900s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in Titus County, with cotton, corn, and livestock farming dominating the economy.
- 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county.
- Mid-1900s - Titus County experiences a period of industrial growth, attracting manufacturing companies to the area.
- 1970s - The county's economy shifts towards services, government, and trade.
- 1984 - Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is established, becoming a popular recreational area for residents and visitors.
- 2000s - Titus County continues to grow, attracting new businesses and investments.