Athens in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Site of Hawn Lumber Company

Photographed by James Hulse, September 3, 2023

1. Site of Hawn Lumber Company Marker

Inscription. As the geographic center of the newly redrawn Henderson county lines, Athens became the county seat in 1850. Charles H. and Lillian (Barksdale) Hawn arrived with a load of lumber on the first train to stop in Athens in 1881. Charles Hawn quickly established a role for himself and his family in the village. Called "Adept as an architect and master builder" by the Athens Register, Hawn built a new county courthouse in 1885. He also is credited with the design and construction of many early houses in and around Athens, including the residence of Senator J.J. Faulk and his wife in 1882.

In December 1886 Charles and Lillian Hawn purchased two acres on this site in order to establish the Hawn Lumber Company. Hawn continued to provide lumber and labor for many of the buildings around the town square as well as settlers' homes. He is credited with constructing the Faulk-Gaunt building and the Gaunt brothers buildings in downtown Athens, as well as the home of Joseph Thomas La Rue.

Charles and Lillian Hawn's second son, William A. Hawn, became president of the company. He inherited family holdings including Charles' several sawmills upon his father's death in 1922. W.A. Hawn served as city commissioner and mayor, postmaster and school board member for the city of Athens. Under his direction, the Hawn Lumber Company remained

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a strong fixture in the city's building trade.

William A. Hawn died in 1960; the company remained in the family until it closed in 1997. From the early development of Athens to the end of the 20th century, the Hawn Lumber Company was instrumental in the city's growth.

Erected 1999 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12010.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1886.

Location. 32° 12.267′ N, 95° 51.432′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. It is on West Corsicana Street (Business U.S. 175) 0.1 miles west of North Pinkerton Street, on the right when traveling west. The marker is located along the north side of the highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Athens TX 75751, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American 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 (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Faulk-Gauntt Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Courts Under the Oaks (approx. 0.2 miles away); Henderson County Courthouse (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Athens Review (approx. 0.2 miles away); J.W. Brownlow (approx. 0.2 miles away); Jess Sweeten (approx. ¼ mile away); 1925 Henderson County Jail (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 3, 2023

2. Site of Hawn Lumber Company Marker

The view of the Site of Hawn Lumber Company Marker along the highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 3, 2023

3. The view of the Site of Hawn Lumber Company Marker along the highway

Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 16, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 418 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 16, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.