Mineola in Wood County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Public Mineral Water Well

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

1. Site of Public Mineral Water Well Marker

Inscription. Mineola settlers chose this area, nicknamed "the Forks of the River," for its abundance of water. The town's first water service was administered by A. W. Front, who made daily deliveries to his 50 clients. A water well was located on this site as early as 1885; workmen drilling for salt between 1889 and 1890 discovered mineral water. In 1896 a 60-foot windmill tower with a 3,000-gallon cypress wood tank was constructed and a mineral well dug to 150 feet by Henry L. Beaird. This became the town's main water source. A 1913 analysis of the water revealed more than 12 minerals associated with healing properties. In 1906, an electric motor replaced the windmill. The well was capped in 1924 when the street was bricked over.

Erected 1998 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11668.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Windmills series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 32° 39.822′ N, 95° 29.345′ W. Marker is in Mineola, Texas, in Wood County. It is at the intersection of North Johnson Street and East Broad Street (U.S. 80), on the right when traveling north on North Johnson Street. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 East Broad Street, Mineola TX 75773, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American 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 walking distance of this marker: First National Bank Building (here, next to this marker); Mineola Opera Houses (a few steps from this marker); Select Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Mineola's Jewish Community (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Coleman Family Drug Store and Clinic (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr Pepper Bottling Plant (within shouting distance of this marker); The Dixie Overland Highway - The Jim Hogg Highway (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Saloons in Mineola (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mineola.

Regarding Site of Public Mineral Water Well. The exact site of the public mineral water well was the center of the intersection of Broad Street (U.S. Highway 80) and Johnson Street.

Marker is behind the American flag to left of Chamber of Commerce entrance. image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 1, 2019

2. Marker is behind the American flag to left of Chamber of Commerce entrance.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 683 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2019, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.