Houston in Texas County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Lone Star Mill

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 18, 2021

1. The Lone Star Mill Marker

Inscription. The Lone Star Mill, three miles west of Houston on the Piney River, was a gathering spot for community, a timely industry and the source of Houston's first electric plant in 1908. It was a popular and prominent player in Houston's history and progress. After a 1999 fire destroyed a half-block of city development, The Lone Star Plaza was designed to pay tribute to our history and inspire the memories of future generations. The following contributors were among many whose efforts made this tribute possible.

Cecil Wayne Gott, Bob and Marsha Hufford,
Forbes Healthmart Drug, Landmark Bank,
Delbert and Elaine Campbell, The Bank of Houston,
Steve and Becky Burch, K & R Electric, Inc.,
Gary and Brenda Gentry, Wells Richards, Bradley Gentry,
Richardson Family Dentistry, Julius and Janet Fraley,
McKelvey Homes, LLC., Marvin and Pat Colyer,
Michael and Judy Breeding, Louie Carmack, Jr.,
Brad and Becky Eidson, Bobby and Susan Gentry,
Dean and Mary Ellen Gentry, William E. Kirkman,
William C. Kramer, Eugene and Tracy Loge,
Mark L. Dake, DOS, MSD, PC., Lance and Jessie Neal,
Sheridan & Sheridan, LLC, The McKinney Forge and Design Studio,
Sharon K. Pappert, Raymond Johanson
and memorial brick donors.

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is January 23, 1908.

Location. 37° 19.591′ N, 91° 57.39′ W. Marker is in Houston, Missouri, in Texas County. It is at the intersection of North Grand Avenue and East Pine Street, on the right when traveling south on North Grand Avenue. Marker is mounted on the Lone Star Plaza gate post at the northwest corner of the intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Houston MO 65483, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 17 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Texas County Missouri (about 300 feet away,

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 18, 2021

2. The Lone Star Mill Marker

(looking northwest • marker is mounted on left plaza gate post)

measured in a direct line); Texas County War Memorial (about 500 feet away); Emmett Kelly, Sr. (about 700 feet away); James Haggin McBride (approx. 0.2 miles away); Licking Memorial for the Fallen (approx. 13.1 miles away); American Armed Forces Memorial (approx. 13.1 miles away); Never Forget Garden (approx. 16.2 miles away); Cabool World War I Memorial (approx. 16.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Houston.

Also see . . .
1. Electric Lights Turned on and Burn Brightly.

So read the headline in the Houston Herald on January 23, 1908. It was the vision and persistence of one man that made it possible — Dr. P. A. Herrington. But Herrington’s electrification of his hometown was not an easy achievement. The first owner of record was William Young, who purchased the Lone Star Mills in 1870. Originally a burr mill built before the Civil War, it was rebuilt in 1895 and operated as a roller mill until P. A. Herrington bought it in December of 1906.

(Submitted on November 18, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Lone Star Mill Photograph.

This may be the best extant view of
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 18, 2021

3. Electricity is Here Mural
(north across Pine Street from marker)
the Lone Star Mill on the Big Piney River, near Houston, MO. At about this time, the mill began generating electricity a few hours a day for nearby Houston. It was operated and maintained by Fred Dablemont, who, with his family, lived on the premises. The dam was made of vertical logs and rocks.

(Submitted on November 18, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Lone Star Mill Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 18, 2021

4. Lone Star Mill Mural

(north across Pine Street from marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 900 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 18, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.