Graham in Young County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Graham Salt Works

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 11, 2023

1. Graham Salt Works Marker

Inscription. Saline residue found along the banks of Salt Creek attracted settlers to this area in the 1850s. The first person to undertake commercial production of salt here was Martin V. Bowers, who arrived in the area prior to the Civil War. A farmer and local politician, he later sold his business to A. B. Gant and moved to Parker County.

Gant, a Confederate veteran, operated the salt works until 1871, when he was elected to the Texas Legislature. He sold the operation to Gustavus A. (1836-1906) and Edwin S. (1831-1899) Graham, brothers who had come to Texas with the Texas Emigration and Land Company.

The Grahams improved the salt works by adding new equipment in 1872. With a capacity of producing 2,500 pounds of salt per day, the Graham salt works was in operation for only two years. The salt, sold to merchants in nearby towns, cost more to transport than to produce, and the operation was discontinued.

Although short in duration, the Graham Salt Works played a vital role in local development. The Graham brothers donated land for a town, named for their family, as well as for Oak Grove Cemetery, where both brothers were

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

later buried.

Erected 1987 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2240.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 33° 6.777′ N, 98° 35.831′ W. Marker is in Graham, Texas, in Young County. It can be reached from Pecan Street 0.2 miles north of Breckenridge Highway, on the right when traveling west. Between 5th and 6th Streets, on east bank of Salt Creek, just off SH 67, in Fireman's park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Graham TX 76450, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Big Country.

It is also on the American Great Plains.

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 Comanchería,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Addie M. Graham (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Cattle Raisers Association Oak

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, June 11, 2023

2. Graham Salt Works Marker

(approx. half a mile away); An 1890 Bank Building (approx. half a mile away); National Theatre (approx. 0.6 miles away); To the Confederate Soldiers Of Young County (approx. 0.6 miles away); Ryus Store Building (approx. 0.6 miles away); Graham Post Office (approx. 0.6 miles away); Young County Armed Forces Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Graham.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 786 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 14, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.