El Campo Independent School District
Historical marker location:El Campo's first permanent school building was a simple wooden structure built near this site about 1891. El Campo Independent School District was organized in 1895. Early schools were financed through local taxes, individual subscriptions, tuition, class fees, and bank loans.
In its early history the district leased a Methodist Episcopal church building, restaurant, store, and Swedish school building as temporary classrooms. A brick schoolhouse, erected at this site in 1902, was razed in 1922 and replaced later that year with larger school facilities. By 1952 ten rural schools moved from the 1922 structure to a new facility opened during the fall of 1953. In 1961 the Crescent Independent School District merged with the district to form El Campo Consolidated Independent School District. Integration of schools in El Campo was achieved by 1968.
Since the late 1950s the district has continued to construct new facilities and remodel a number of older facilities. By 1994 El Campo Independent School District's high school, middle school, and three elementary schools served an enrollment of more than 3500 students of varied ethnic and racial backgrounds.
(1995)
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 1846, the Texas legislature established Wharton County, named after brothers William Harris Wharton and John Austin Wharton, who were prominent figures in the Texas Revolution. The county was officially organized in 1848, with the town of Wharton selected as the county seat. The growth of the county was fueled by the development of the railroads, which provided transportation for agricultural products such as cotton, corn, and cattle.
During the Civil War, Wharton County was heavily affected by the conflict. Many of the county's residents supported the Confederacy, with several military units being raised in the area. However, the county also had a significant number of Union sympathizers, leading to tensions and conflicts within the community. After the war, the county gradually recovered and experienced economic growth, with new industries such as oil and gas exploration contributing to its prosperity.
Today, Wharton County is a diverse community with a strong agricultural base. The county is known for its rice and cattle production, as well as its oil and gas industries. It is also home to several historical sites, including the Wharton County Courthouse, which was built in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. With its rich history and thriving economy, Wharton County continues to be an important part of Texas's cultural and economic landscape.
Wharton County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wharton County, Texas.
- 1846: Wharton County is established by the Texas legislature
- 1848: The first settlements are established in the county
- 1849: The town of Wharton is founded and becomes the county seat
- 1850: The population of the county is 1,075
- 1861-1865: Wharton County residents participate in the American Civil War
- 1881: The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway reaches Wharton County
- 1900: The Galveston hurricane devastates the county, causing widespread destruction
- 1930: The county's population reaches its peak at 39,195
- 1965: The construction of the Wharton County Junior College is completed
- 1985: The county courthouse is added to the National Register of Historic Places