Historical Markers in
Tyler County, Texas

Alabama-Coushattas of Texas Beech Creek Baptist Church Burch-Cauble House Colmesneil, W.T., House Colmesneil-Mount Zion Cemetery Cooper-Reid Home David Curlee Enloe House Doucette Union Church Early Law Office Enloe Mill Fellowship Cemetery Ferrell Cemetery Fort Teran Park Fort Teran, Site of Hart Mill Cemetery Home of James Edward Wheat James Barclay Place, 1842 John Henry Kirby and Education in Woodville John Wheat Lindsey Cemetery Lt. Col. Philip A. Work Moss Hill Community Cemetery Mount Hope Lodge No. 121, A. F. & A. M. Mount Hope Methodist Church Original Site of Bethel Baptist Church Pedigo Family Cemetery Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church and School Site of Henry T. Scott School Site of Old Peach Tree Village Squire Cruse Sturrock Cemetery Sunny Dell Missionary Baptist Church Texas Statesman Allan Shivers The Rev. Acton Young The Yale Summer Forestry Camp and Gifford Pinchot Tolar Kitchen Town Bluff Tyler County Tyler County Courthouse Valentine Burch Woodville Academy and Woodville College Woodville Magnolia Cemetery Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church
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History along the Way: Stories beyond the Texas Roadside Markers (Texas A&M Travel Guides) Paperback – January 11, 2013
History along the Way: Stories beyond the Texas Roadside Markers

Texan women are wonderful - they are strong, ambitious, and know how to get what they want
Jerry Hall in Vogue
Tyler County, located in Southeast Texas, has a rich history rooted in agriculture, forestry, and oil production. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Alabama-Coushatta and the Attakapas, who settled along the Trinity River. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1820s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1837, Tyler County was officially established and named after President John Tyler. During this time, the county experienced rapid growth as settlers cleared the land for farming and ranching. Cotton became a dominant crop, and steamboats navigated the Trinity River, facilitating trade and transportation.

The Civil War brought significant changes to Tyler County, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The economy suffered as cotton production declined, but the discovery of oil in 1893 revitalized the region. The Spindletop oil boom led to an oil rush in East Texas, including Tyler County, fueling economic growth and population expansion.

Throughout the 20th century, Tyler County continued to rely on agriculture and oil, but also embraced the forestry industry. The dense forests in the area provided vast timber reserves, leading to the establishment of lumber mills and paper mills. The county's economy thrived as timber and oil production increased, supporting a diverse range of industries.

Today, Tyler County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, oil production, and tourism. The county's natural beauty, including the picturesque Big Thicket National Preserve, attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The rich history and strong sense of community make Tyler County a unique and appealing place to live or visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Tyler County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Tyler County, TX was organized and named after President John Tyler.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Tyler County joined the Confederacy.
  • 1872 - The Timpson and Henderson Railroad was completed, connecting Tyler County to the railway network.
  • 1907 - The East Texas Timber Company established a sawmill, leading to a boom in the timber industry.
  • 1938 - Big Thicket National Preserve was established to protect the unique ecological diversity of the area.
  • 1973 - The Allan B. Shivers Library and Museum was opened to honor the former Texas governor.
  • 1998 - Tyler County suffered significant damage from flooding caused by Hurricane Danielle.