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

Conroe Fire of 1911

Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 13, 2018

1. Conroe Fire of 1911 Marker

Inscription. On February 21, 1911 around 1:30 in the morning, a fire broke out in the Capitol Drug Store on Chambers (today North Main) Street. The blaze was well underway before it was discovered and northerly winds began sweeping the flames southeastward toward the railroad tracks. The volunteer fire department had only one hose cart which was pulled by hand to fight the inferno and the lack of water pressure led to the fight being called off. The post office, meat market, saloon, grocery store and Masonic lodge were among the businesses caught in the path of the fire as well as the homes of their owners who lived above their stores. Sixty-five buildings, store inventories and personal belongings were lost that early February morning, costing an estimated total of $150,000, over 3.5 million dollars in today's money.

The following business day, the city council created an ordinance requiring buildings to have "fire proof" materials protecting the wooden structures. A year later, the city council voted to amend the ordinance to require buildings to be constructed out of brick and stone. The 1911 fire in downtown Conroe and the prompt

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

response to its destruction by Conroe residents reflected the resilience of Texans as they settled, struggled and prospered in southeast Texas. Despite the tragedy caused by the fire, the resurrection of stately brick business buildings provides current city visitors with a picture of a bygone era with buildings over a century in age. It further echoes the town's nickname, "The town that faith built!"

Erected 2013 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17662.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical date for this entry is February 21, 1911.

Location. 30° 18.703′ N, 95° 27.434′ W. Marker is in Conroe, Texas, in Montgomery County. It is on North Main Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located on the courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 301 North Main Street, Conroe TX 77301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area.

It is also on the American Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 13, 2018

2. Conroe Fire of 1911 Marker

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Montgomery County Courthouses (within shouting distance of this marker); Conroe Telephone Exchange (within shouting distance of this marker); Conroe (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Isaac Conroe Property (approx. 0.2 miles away); The W.A. "Bay" Evans Home (approx. half a mile away); San Jacinto Liberty Flag (approx. 0.7 miles away); Goliad Flag (approx. 0.7 miles away); Troutman Lone Star (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Conroe.

Capitol Drug Store image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, May 13, 2018

3. Capitol Drug Store

The Conroe Fire of 1911 began in the Capitol Drug Store.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 15, 2018. It was originally submitted on May 13, 2018, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 978 times since then and 81 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 13, 2018, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.