Ebenezer Baptist Church
This congregation was organized in 1854 by The Rev. J. W. D. Creath, pastor of the Huntsville Baptist Church, and The Rev. Richard Pace, the pioneer Baptist leader and preacher who served as the first minister at this church. Early worship services were conducted in the homes of members.
The first church building was a two-story structure shared with an early Masonic lodge. It was located at the site of Ebenezer Cemetery (6 mi. NE) on land conveyed in 1854 by Jonathan A. and Sarah McGary. The building served until 1880, when the church moved to the West Sandy community. Here services were first held in the sanctuary of Farris Chapel Methodist Church. A separate building, completed in the 1890s, was used until 1916, when the congregation relocated at this site.
Throughout its history, Ebenezer Baptist Church has been led by many prominent pastors. It has also been active in the ordination of ministers, including J. S. McGraw, a Civil War chaplain, and Baptist preacher and missionary J. R. Walker, the son of early church leader J. N. Walker. An instrumental force in the development of the community, the church continues to reflect the ideals of its pioneer founders
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.
Texas is also home to the world's largest honky-tonk, Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth. The venue covers three acres and can hold up to 6,000 people.
In 1836, Walker County was officially established and named after Samuel Hamilton Walker, a Texas Ranger captain who died in the Mexican-American War. The county became a hub for trade and commerce, with the town of Huntsville serving as the county seat. The early residents engaged in farming, ranching, and timber industries, which became the backbone of the local economy.
During the Civil War, Walker County played a significant role as a major supplier of food and provisions to the Confederate army. However, the county also faced its share of hardships, including raids by Union troops and the devastation caused by the war. After the war, Walker County experienced a period of reconstruction and gradual recovery.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Walker County saw significant progress and development. The expansion of railroads brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, and the discovery of oil in the early 1900s further boosted the local economy. In recent decades, Walker County has continued to grow and evolve, embracing modern industries while preserving its unique heritage and natural beauty. Today, the county is known for its thriving educational institutions, correctional facilities, and vibrant community.
Walker County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Walker County, Texas.
- 1836: Walker County is established
- 1846: Huntsville becomes the county seat
- 1861: Walker County residents vote for secession from the Union
- 1870: The Houston and Great Northern Railroad reaches Huntsville
- 1900: The town of New Waverly is incorporated
- 1936: Sam Houston State Teachers College is established
- 1965: The Texas Department of Corrections is established in Huntsville
- 1970: San Jacinto Mall opens in Baytown
- 1999: The City of Huntsville celebrates its 150th anniversary
- 2007: The Texas Department of Criminal Justice moves its headquarters to Huntsville