Wills Point in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

William A. Wills

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 7, 2024

1. William A. Wills Marker

Inscription. Tennessee native William A. Wills (1804-1864) moved to Texas with his wife, Mary Ann "Polly" (Phillips), and their children in 1847 and settled on the Dallas-Shreveport Road in what became Van Zandt County. They hosted many travelers in their home. In 1850, Wills served the county as tax assessor-collector and later held other public offices, including road overseer and Van Zandt County commissioner. As early as 1855, references in commissioners court minutes referred to the area surrounding his property as "Wills Point." When the town was laid out along the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1873, it became known by the same name. Wills is buried in the White Rose Cemetery.

Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12571.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1847.

Location. 32° 41.964′ N, 95° 59.5′ W. Marker is in Wills Point, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It is at the intersection of Houston Street (County Road 3415) and Corky Boyd Avenue (State Highway 64), on the right when traveling east on Houston Street.

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Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wills Point TX 75169, 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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Dallas-Shreveport Road (here, next to this marker); County Seat War (here, next to this marker); White Rose Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Fin & Feather Hunting and Fishing Club (approx. half a mile away); Russell Memorial United Methodist Church (approx. 1.1 miles away); McKain Family Home (approx. 1.1 miles away); First Christian Church of Wills Point (approx. 1.1 miles away); First Baptist Church (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wills Point.

Photographed by Jason Sullivan, April 12, 2024

2. William A. Wills Marker

This wide-angle photo shows the Dallas-Shreveport Road, County Seat War, and William A. Wills Markers. The three markers are grouped together.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 8, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 8, 2024, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2. submitted on April 20, 2024, by Jason Sullivan of Arlington, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.