Huntsville in Walker County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Huntsville Springs
After establishing a trading post near the springs with his brother Ephraim, Pleasant Gray subdivided his land into home and business lots and advertised the property in Alabama, Tennessee, New Orleans, and various steamboat offices. Settlers soon arrived and a town developed which Gray named after Huntsville, Alabama, a former family home. The area's bountiful springs were observed in the Texas Chronicles written by British scientist/adventurer William Bollaert in 1843-44. Huntsville was incorporated in 1845.
For many years townspeople were accustomed to using spring water captured in a trough near the springs. In 1893-1894 the city dug an artesian well within a few feet of the springs to provide water for municipal distribution and an ice factory. Shortly thereafter the watering trough at the spring fell into disuse, and the spring itself was boarded over.
Erected 1994 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8459.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1834.
Location. 30° 43.486′ N, 95° 33.022′ W. Marker is in Huntsville, Texas, in Walker County. Marker is at the intersection of University Avenue and 10th Street, on the right when traveling north on University Avenue. The marker is located in the southwest corner of the Founders Park along the sidewalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Huntsville TX 77320, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Bedias Indians (a few steps from this marker); Site of First Masonic Lodge Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Gibbs Store (about 400 feet away); First United Methodist Church of Huntsville (about 400 feet away); Site of Pleasant Gray's Trading Post (about 400 feet away); Sam Houston Whittling Site (about 400 feet away); The Five Courthouses of Walker County (about 500 feet away); Walker County (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Huntsville.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 26, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 26, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.