Longview in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
A Railroad Boom Town Settles Down
1870s
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
1. A Railroad Boom Town Settles Down Marker
Like the oil boom 60 years later, the railroad boom of the 1870s was a rowdy, colorful period that resulted in lasting improvements. Longview consisted of about 60 hastily built frame buildings near Center and Tyler Streets. Almost half of the early buildings were devoted to saloons and gambling, and Longview soon hired a city marshall. The growth of the local religious community also helped tame the town as it grew. By 1877, the town had six church buildings representing Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian and Christian (Disciples of Christ) denominations.
Part of the population was accommodated eastward expansion of city streets to what would become known as Longview Junction. After an 1877 fire destroyed the northern half of Longview's wooden downtown, brick and stone became the dominant construction materials for commercial buildings.
Erected 2000 by One Hundred Acres of Heritage, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1877.
Location. 32° 29.739′ N, 94° 44.209′ W. Marker is in Longview, Texas, in Gregg County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of North Green Street and
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "Dolly" — Longview's First Fire Engine (here, next to this marker); Rails, Timber and Cotton Bring Growth (here, next to this marker); The Good Old Days (here, next to this marker); A New County is Born (a few steps from this marker); Technology Brings Modern Conveniences (a few steps from this marker); Longview Becomes the Hub for Railroad Expansion (a few steps from this marker); First Came the Railroad (a few steps from this marker); The End of the Beginning (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longview.
Also see . . . Texas State Historical Association on Longview. (Submitted on September 29, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
2. A Railroad Boom Town Settles Down 1870s
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
3. Photo from marker.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
4. Heritage Plaza park.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
5. Intersection of Methvin and Green Streets.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
6. Heritage Plaza dedication plaque.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 29, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
