Willis in Montgomery County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Willis

Photographed By Brian Anderson, December 15, 2018

1. Willis Marker

Inscription.

Founded in 1870. Named for P. J. and R. S. Willis (large land and timber owners who formerly were merchants in area). They gave townsite, on the Houston & Great Northern Railroad. With the line came prosperity, and in 1874 Willis and Montgomery vied for county seat, but both eventually lost to Conroe.

Willis boasted a college, opera house, numerous stores; and by 1895 had vast tobacco fields supporting 7 cigar factories. This industry faded when tariff on Cuban tobacco was lifted. Present industries are timber and livestock.

Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 7908.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.

Location. 30° 25.495′ N, 95° 28.791′ W. Marker is in Willis, Texas, in Montgomery County. Marker is at the intersection of North Danville Street (State Highway 75) and East Stewart Street, on the right when traveling north on North Danville Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Willis TX 77378, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Site of Willis Cigar Factory (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Willis Methodist Church (about 600 feet away); Willis Male and Female College

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Site of former town of Danville (approx. 4.4 miles away); The Grogan-Cochran House (approx. 7.2 miles away); Tobacco Trough (approx. 7.2 miles away); Saw Mills (approx. 7.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willis.

Also see . . . Willis, TX - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on December 15, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.)

Photographed By Brian Anderson, December 15, 2018

2. Willis Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 28, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 294 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2018, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.