Rowden Cotton
Historical marker location:ROWDEN COTTON
THE W.O. ROWDEN FAMILY MOVED FROM GURLEY, ALABAMA TO VAN ZANDT COUNTY IN 1895 AND, IN 1898, THE FAMILY MOVED TO THE H.H. CARMACK PLACE JUST AT THE OUTER EDGE OF WILLS POINT. CARMACK RECEIVED A COTTON BOLL FROM A FRIEND IN FLORIDA AND GAVE IT TO ROWDEN. HE PLANTED NINE SEEDS THAT FOLLOWING APRIL WHICH YIELDED 25 POUNDS OF SEED COTTON. IN THE SPRING OF 1899, HE PLANTED ONE-HALF ACRE GATHERING 1133 POUNDS OF SEED COTTON AND ADDED 300 POUNDS OF ANOTHER TYPE OF COTTON TO MAKE A 549-POUND BALE. THE BUYER OF THE BALE SAID IT WAS ONE OF THE FINEST BALES HE HAD BOUGHT ALL SEASON. ROWDEN COTTON WAS INTRODUCED IN 1900. ROWDEN’S BROTHER, W.A. ROWDEN, CAME TO TEXAS IN 1902 AND THEY FORMED A SUCCESSFUL PARTNERSHIP.
FOUR YEARS LATER, ROWDEN COTTON WAS BROUGHT TO TOWN TO BE WEIGHED. THE COTTON PICKED FROM FORTY-FOUR BOLLS WEIGHED ONE POUND. OTHER VARIETIES OF COTTON TOOK 52 TO 56 BOLLS TO WEIGH ONE POUND. A FIRM IN STEPHENVILLE WROTE, “…ROWDEN BROS. HAVE DIRECTLY BENEFITED THE PLANTERS OF TEXAS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BY THEIR IMPROVED SEEDS.” SEED DEALERS REGULARLY SOLD OUT OF THE ROWDEN COTTON SEED WHICH RANKED SECOND WITH THE BEST VARIETIES PLANTED UNDER THE SAME CONDITIONS AND SOLD ON AVERAGE OF 4 TO 5 CENTS MORE THAN OTHER COTTON. THE DECLINE OF THE COTTON INDUSTRY IN VAN ZANDT COUNTY WAS DUE TO ALLOTMENTS ESTABLISHED THAT REGULATED HOW MUCH COTTON A FARMER COULD PLANT. HOWEVER, BEFORE THE DECLINE, THE ROWDEN BROTHERS SHOWED FARMERS HOW TO IMPROVE THE VARIETY OF COTTON SEED, DEVELOPING ANY TYPE OF COTTON THAT THEY WISHED. THE REPUTATION OF THE ROWDEN SEED WAS WELL KNOWN ACROSS THE SOUTH AND ESPECIALLY IN TEXAS
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 county was officially formed in 1848 and named after Isaac Van Zandt, a politician and diplomat who played a significant role in the establishment of the Republic of Texas. Throughout the mid-19th century, the economy of Van Zandt County was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the dominant crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce to the area.
In the early 20th century, Van Zandt County experienced a boom in oil production, which significantly impacted the local economy. This led to the growth of oil-related industries and the establishment of several oil towns within the county. However, the Great Depression and subsequent decline in oil prices had a detrimental effect on the area, leading to economic challenges during the 1930s and 1940s.
Over the years, Van Zandt County has continued to grow and develop. Today, it boasts a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, and there are several recreational areas such as lakes and state parks that attract visitors. Van Zandt County also has a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals and events celebrating its history and culture.
Van Zandt County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Van Zandt County, Texas.
- 1848 - Van Zandt County is established as one of the 36 original counties in Texas.
- 1850 - The county seat is established in Canton.
- 1861-1865 - Van Zandt County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1894 - The construction of the Texas State Railroad reaches Van Zandt County, boosting the local economy.
- 1900 - An oil boom begins in the county, bringing new growth and prosperity.
- 1921 - The Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike is completed, connecting Van Zandt County to the metroplex.
- 1930s-1940s - Van Zandt County suffers from the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II.
- 1960s-1970s - The county experiences a period of economic growth and population increase.
- 1980s - The county faces economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
- 2000 - Canton becomes known for its First Monday Trade Days, attracting visitors from all over the state.