Historical Marker

Site of Old Town of Union Valley

Historical marker location:
FM 1681, NW of Nixon, Nixon, Texas
( From Nixon, take FM 1681 northwest 6 miles to grounds of The Union Valley Homecoming Association.)
Marker installed: 1972
Marker size: 18" x 28"

(Settled in 1860s) Original schoolhouse of logs on site given by Harriet Smith Beaty in 1872 to trustees John Coleman, King Holstein, and Samuel McCracken, was replaced 1877 by a frame one on William Cone land, serving as Masonic hall, church, court room. Union post office opened 1883. Stores, gins, saloons, blacksmith and butcher shops were owned by men named Burnside, Cone, Creech, Dunn, Hightower, Hoy, Hudson, Irvin, Johnson, Murray, Magee, Patterson, Spear, Treadwell, Watkins, Wiley, and Wright. Town dwindled when bypassed in 1906 by Galveston, Harrisburg & San Antonio Railroad. (1972)

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.

railroads ghost towns
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Wilson County, Texas, located in the southern part of the state, has a rich history that reaches back to early Native American settlements. The Karankawa tribe was the first known inhabitants of the area, living off the abundant natural resources the region had to offer. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 18th century brought about significant changes in the area.

In the early 1800s, the region that is now Wilson County was part of the DeWitt Colony, a settlement established by Green DeWitt. The area played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, with the Battle of Refugio taking place nearby in 1836. As the conflict between Texas colonists and Mexican forces raged on, the region became a hotbed of activity and witnessed significant military actions.

Wilson County was officially established in 1860, named in honor of James Charles Wilson, a Texas state legislator who fought in the battle of San Jacinto. The county experienced rapid growth in the 19th century due to the establishment of ranching and farming communities. Cattle ranching became a prominent industry, and the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted economic development.

The county faced challenges in the 20th century, including the Great Depression, which resulted in a decline in agricultural productivity. However, the discovery of oil and gas reserves brought renewed economic prosperity to the area. Today, Wilson County is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. The region has preserved much of its historical heritage and continues to celebrate its unique cultural and historical significance.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Wilson County, Texas.

  • February 13, 1854 - Wilson County established by the Texas legislature
  • 1856 - County seat established in Floresville
  • Late 1800s - Growth in agriculture sector, primarily cotton farming
  • 1902 - Construction of the Wilson County Courthouse completed
  • 1930s - Economic decline due to the Great Depression
  • 1940s - World War II leads to increased military presence in the area
  • Mid-1960s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
  • 1970s - Growth in population and expansion of Floresville
  • 1998 - The Floresville Peanut Festival established
  • 2010 - Rapid population growth and increased development