Harleton in Harrison County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Harleton

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, June 23, 2019

1. Harleton Marker

Inscription. Although settlement in this area between the forks of Big and Little Cypress creeks began in the 1830s, notable growth did not occur until the arrival of a railroad here in 1891. The railroad was a vital part of a venture financed by John H. Inman, organized by Edwin J. Fry, and executed by brothers Robert H. and James W. Harle, to exploit the area's virgin forests. Organized as the Hope Lumber Company, they constructed a depot and large commissary, installed a band sawmill, and extended a tram road into the Eagle Creek area.

The nearby village of Grady was unable to compete against the Harles' well-stocked store and dance hall and soon faded. Its post office, renamed Harleton after the Harle brothers, was relocated to the Harle store.

Harleton's economy boomed as timber production led to increased farm activity, and local merchants such as D.C. Webb and Son, Dreyfus-Little Mercantile Co., J.P. Craver and Son, and R.W. Taylor General Merchandise increased stocks to meet a growing demand for wares.

By the late 1890s, however, Hope Lumber Company had processed the area's available timber and closed its mill. The railroad later joined with the Marshall & East Texas Railroad. Harleton continued, supported by agriculture and other timber operations in the area.

Erected 1993 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10172.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 32° 40.475′ N, 94° 34.227′ W. Marker is in Harleton, Texas, in Harrison County. It is on State Highway 154 0.3 miles east of Grand Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Harleton TX 75651, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American

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South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

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 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: James F. Taylor Lodge No. 169, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 11.7 miles away); Sherman Chapel Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 11.7 miles away); First State Bank of Hallsville (approx. 11.8 miles away); Hallsville (approx. 11.8 miles away); Kellyville (approx. 11.8 miles away); Honoring Veterans of the War Between the States (approx. 11.8 miles away); Early Bell Foundry (approx. 11.9 miles away); Old Grover Cemetery (approx. 12.9 miles away).

Harleton Marker Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Larry D. Moore, June 23, 2019

2. Harleton Marker Area

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2019, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,321 times since then and 125 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 7, 2019, by Larry D. Moore of Del Valle, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.