Ratcliff in Houston County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Ratcliff
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 19, 2025
1. Ratcliff Marker
About 1875, a 32 - wagon train of settlers came here from Georgia. Jesse H. Ratcliff (1844 - 1920) built sawmill about 1885, drawing more people. Post office opened 1889, with Ratcliff as postmaster, and town soon had several stores. Professional men included Drs. H.L. McCall and Jake Jackson.
Sold 1901 to Louisiana & Texas Lumber Co., then to Central Coal & Coke Co., sawmill became a vast complex. Running until 1917, when it closed. Turning to logging or other enterprises, the community survived, although many residents moved away. The Ratcliff schools consolidated (1955) with Kennard.
Erected 1972 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7016.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 31° 23.498′ N, 95° 8.385′ W. Marker is in Ratcliff, Texas, in Houston County. It is on State Highway 7 close to Farm to Market Road 227, on the left when traveling west. The marker is about 50 ft before FM 27, across from a gas station. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ratcliff TX 75858, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the American South, specifically in the Deep 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ratcliff CCC Camp (approx. Ό mile away); Four C Mill
this page online
Photographed by Steve Gustafson, October 17, 2009
2. Ratcliff Marker
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 19, 2025
3. Ratcliff Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on January 29, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,842 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 21, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. 2. submitted on January 29, 2010, by Steve Gustafson of Lufkin, Texas. 3. submitted on October 21, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
