Historical Marker

Site of Donnell Mill

Historical marker location:
FM 1974, SW of South Bend, South Bend, Texas
( From South Bend, take FM 1974 southwest about 7 mi.)
Marker installed: 1999
Marker size: 27" x 42"

After heartbreaking failures, James D. Donnell; his wife, Julia; and sons, Will and Tom, finished the dam and mill here in 1876. The mill withstood floods and began turning out meal and flour for a vast region. It operated almost half a century. The Donnells had migrated from Missouri to Texas, and Young County. Their mill yard was the community gathering place.

Crossing river here was San Antonio to Austin to Fort Belknap Military Road of 1850s, used by famed 2nd U.S. Cavalry, under Albert S. Johnston and Robert E. Lee. Also nearby was site of 1850s community of Clear Fork, settled by George, William, and Jonathan Lee Dobbs, Rev. Pleasant Tackitt, and others.

Indian marauders drove away most settlers. But in 1876 J. L Dobbs returned to claim his land. Also in 1876 Elias De Long opened a store that became the post office. (To his name the Post Office Department added "ville", titling the place Eliasville.) In 1893 a bridge was built here; the present bridge in 1957.

Among other settlers were Captain Joseph Benedict and wife Adele, granddaughter of the colonizer W. S. Peters. Their son, Harry Yandell Benedict, became 10th president of the University of Texas. A successor in that office, Homer Price Rainey, also grew up here

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.

mills - textile, fiber, gristmills, cotton gins roads
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Young County, Texas, located in the northern part of the state, has a rich and vibrant history. The county was named after Colonel William Cocke Young, an early settler and Texas Ranger. The area was originally home to several indigenous tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa tribes, who relied on the abundant game and resources in the region.

European settlement in Young County began in the mid-19th century, with the arrival of immigrants from the southeastern United States. The county was officially established in 1856, and the town of Fort Belknap became the county seat. This fort played a crucial role in protecting pioneers from Native American attacks and served as an important trading post on the Butterfield Overland Mail route.

During the Civil War, Young County experienced great turmoil, with many residents supporting both the Union and Confederate causes. After the war, the county's economy began to develop, primarily through agriculture and ranching. Cattle raising became a significant industry, and the establishment of rail lines in the late 19th century further facilitated the growth of the county.

In the 20th century, Young County continued to evolve and diversify. Oil was discovered in the early 1900s, attracting many workers and leading to the establishment of new towns and industries. The construction of Lake Graham in the 1930s brought additional economic opportunities, particularly in tourism and outdoor recreation.

Today, Young County is a thriving community that celebrates its Western heritage and natural beauty. With a mix of historical sites, cultural events, and outdoor attractions, the county attracts visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Young County, Texas.

  • 1854 - Young County is established and named after early Texas settler George Washington Young.
  • 1874 - The first permanent settlement in the county, Belknap, is established.
  • 1881 - Graham, the current county seat, is founded and quickly becomes a major trading center.
  • 1884 - The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, which had been established in 1851, is officially closed.
  • 1890 - The population of Young County reaches over 9,000 residents.
  • 1917-1918 - Young County experiences an oil boom, leading to increased population and economic growth.
  • 1940 - The Young County Historical Museum opens in Graham, preserving the county's history.
  • 1960s-1970s - Young County begins to diversify its economy with the development of manufacturing and service industries.
  • 2010 - The population of Young County is estimated to be around 18,550 residents.