1-833-933-4TFD
Anderson County, Texas, located in the east-central part of the state, has a rich and fascinating history. Here are seven interesting facts about Anderson County's past that offer insight into its development and evolution.
1. Anderson County was founded in 1846, just ten years after Texas gained statehood. It was one of the original counties in Texas and was named after Kenneth L. Anderson, a Republic of Texas vice president.
2. The county was a major destination for Texas's cotton industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Railroads made cotton transport much simpler, and Anderson County's abundant arable land and warm climate provided excellent cotton crops.
3. Anderson County played a significant role in Texas's oil boom. The first oil well in the county was drilled in 1913, and it wasn't long before the area around the town of Palestine was buzzing with oil rigs.
4. The Confederate Army captured Palestine in May 1862. The first Union soldiers arrived the following month. The city had several smaller skirmishes before finally falling to Union troops in May 1865.
5. Several feuds involving feuding families took place in Anderson County between 1865 and 1881. One of the most infamous of these was the Cartwright-Hyman feud. In 1873, William Hyman and two Cartwrights were lynched in a public hanging.
6. In 1930, Anderson County was hit by the "big freeze," which was an extreme lowering of temperatures that caused widespread damage to crops and agricultural enterprises. It resulted in a devastating economic downturn that lasted for many years.
7. Today, Anderson County continues to grow and develop. The area has seen something of a renaissance in recent years, with increased investment in infrastructure and business development. There are now several major employers in the county, including The University of Texas at Tyler Health Center and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
Anderson County's history is a rich and varied tapestry that reflects the region's growth and development over the past two centuries. These facts offer just a glimpse of the county's fascinating past and exciting future.
← Older Post Newer Post →