Historical Marker

Walker County

Historical marker location:
1000 University Ave., Huntsville, Texas
( County Courthouse)
Marker installed: 1999
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The earliest known inhabitants of this area were the Cenis and Bidai (Bedias) Indians. Spanish explorers began to arrive in 1542, followed by the French in 1687. The area was thinly populated by Spanish and Mexican settlers until the early 1830s when colonists came from the United States. Brothers Pleasant and Ephraim Gray established a trading post near this site about 1835 or 1836, naming it for their home in Huntsville, Alabama. The region was included in neighboring counties until Walker County was created by the First Legislature of the State of Texas in 1846; it was named for U. S. Senator Robert J. Walker, who introduced legislation for Texas' annexation. The state penitentiary was established at Huntsville in 1849.

Agricultural products, primarily cotton, were shipped out by steamboat from the late 1840s. When the Civil War began, R. J. Walker declined to support the Confederacy. The Texas Legislature renamed the county in 1863 for Texas Ranger Samuel H. Walker. Martial law was declared in the county for 60 days in 1871 because of Reconstruction-era racial violence.

With the arrival of the railroads in the 1870s, depot towns flourished. Huntsville narrowly avoided the fate of other towns bypassed by the railroads when residents hurriedly raised funds to build a spur. Cotton never regained its pre-Civil War stature, and lumber and livestock became important businesses in the 20th century.

The heritage of Walker County, from Native Americans to frontier settlers and U. S. Citizens, is one of independent spirit and determination. (1999)

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.

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Walker County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who lived off the land and hunted in the dense forests. The first European settlers arrived in the early 1830s, attracted by the fertile soil and abundant wildlife.

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.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history 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