Historical Marker

Site of Old Town Paradise

Historical marker location:
CR 3355 (School House Rd) and Sunflower Rd, Paradise, Texas
( Intersection of CR 3355 (School House Rd) and Sunflower Rd, near the City of Paradise water tower)
Marker installed: 2014
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

SITE OF

OLD TOWN PARADISE

PARADISE IS A SMALL INCORPORATED TOWN WITH A POPULATION JUST SHORT OF 500 AND LOCATED IN SOUTH CENTRAL WISE COUNTY. ONE OF THE EARLIEST SETTLERS IN WISE COUNTY WAS O. H. P. READ, WHO MADE HIS HOME HERE IN 1858. MANY PIONEERS BEGAN MOVING TO THE AREA, INITIALLY CALLED ELDORADO. WILLIAM M. ANDERSON OPENED A GENERAL STORE, AND SOON AFTER, OTHER BUSINESSES SPRANG UP TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY. A TOWN SQUARE WAS DESIGNED BY LOCAL SURVEYOR BEN BANKS, AND A WATER WELL WAS DUG ON THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SQUARE. IN 1876, ELDORADO RECEIVED THE RIGHTS TO HAVE A POST OFFICE, BUT BECAUSE ANOTHER TOWN HAD CLAIMED THE RIGHTS TO THE NAME, IT CHANGED ITS NAME TO PARADISE PRAIRIE, LATER SHORTENED TO PARADISE.

IN 1892, THE CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & TEXAS RAILWAY BUILT A LINE FROM MONTAGUE COUNTY SOUTH TO WEATHERFORD IN PARKER COUNTY. THE RAIL LINE RAN THROUGH WISE COUNTY AND CAME WITHIN ONE MILE OF PARADISE. THE RAILROAD WAS A PROFOUND INFLUENCE ON THE SURROUNDING TOWNS. BECAUSE OF THE SHORT DISTANCE TO THE RAILROAD, RESIDENCES AND BUSINESSES BEGAN MOVING NORTHEASTWARD TO BE CLOSER TO THE LINE. BY THE EARLY 1900s, “NEW” PARADISE WAS WELL UNDER WAY WITH CHURCHES, HOTELS, A NEW CITY WELL AND SHOPS. BY 1927, MANY OF THE COTTON CROPS HAD BEEN DESTROYED AND “OLD” PARADISE CAME TO AN END. THE ONLY REMAINING STRUCTURE IN OLD TOWN PARADISE IS A PRIVATE HOME BUILT BY CONFEDERATE LIEUTENANT WILLIAM HALL JAY, WHO IS BURIED IN THE PARADISE CEMETERY. THE HOME SITS ON A CORNER JUST SOUTH OF THE OLD TOWN SQUARE AND IS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF AN EARLIER TIME.

(2014)

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF 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.

Cities and Towns
Texan women are wonderful - they are strong, ambitious, and know how to get what they want
Jerry Hall in Vogue
Wise County is located in northern Texas and has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1856. The area was initially occupied by indigenous tribes such as the Kiowa and Wichita before European settlement began. The county was named after Henry A. Wise, a Governor of Virginia who supported Texas' annexation.

In the early years, Wise County was primarily used for ranching and farming due to its fertile soil and abundant water supply. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver Railway in the late 1800s brought increased opportunities for trade and commerce, spurring economic growth in the region.

During the Civil War, Wise County remained divided between Unionists and Confederates, leading to some conflict within the county. After the war, the discovery of coal deposits in the area led to the establishment of coal mining towns, including Newark and Rhome. These towns ushered in a new era of industrialization and attracted more settlers to the county in search of employment.

In the early 20th century, Wise County experienced a decline in coal mining due to competition from other energy sources. However, the discovery of oil in the 1920s sparked a new economic boom. Today, Wise County remains a hub for oil and gas production, contributing significantly to the local economy. It also boasts a diverse agricultural industry and has become a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.

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

  • 1856 - Wise County is established and named after Virginia Governor Henry A. Wise.
  • 1860 - The first post office, called Taylorsville, is established in the county.
  • 1867 - The county's first courthouse is built in Decatur, the county seat.
  • 1873 - The Wise County Old Settlers Association is founded to preserve the county's history.
  • 1882 - The Wise County Messenger, the county's oldest newspaper, is established.
  • 1883 - The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is completed, connecting Wise County to major cities.
  • 1905 - The county's second courthouse, a grand Neoclassical building, is completed.
  • 1920 - The oil boom hits Wise County, leading to increased drilling and economic growth.
  • 1927 - The county's third courthouse, a Modern Classical structure, is completed.
  • 1969 - Lake Bridgeport, a reservoir, is completed, providing water recreation opportunities.
  • 2000 - The population of Wise County reaches over 48,000 people.
  • 2015 - The Wise County Heritage Museum is established to showcase the county's history.