Near Italy in Ellis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Cotton Industry in Ellis County

Photographed by James Hulse, December 9, 2025

1. Cotton Industry in Ellis County Marker

Inscription. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, cotton became an increasingly valuable crop in the state's economy. By 1852, Texas ranked eighth in the nation among cotton-producing states. In Ellis County, production totaled just 359 bales in 1860. The arrival of railroads locally and across the state helped promote cotton culture, as rail lines often connected larger cities and towns while running through some of the most productive farmland. Ellis County is part of the Blackland Prairie, a grassland region from the Red River through north and central Texas. The Texas Almanac for 1858 described Ellis County land as "rich black, stiff and loamy, undulating rolling prairie, finely adapted to the culture of all kinds of small grain, as well as cotton and corn."

By 1870, Ellis County cotton production had increased to 2,960 bales, and to 18,956 bales by 1880, reflected in the arrival of the Houston & Texas Central (1871) and Gulf Colorado & Santa Fe (1882) Railroads to the area. By the 1890s, county acreage planted in cotton exceeded the labor supply, and advertisements enticed people to relocate here. Gins were built in virtually

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every part of the county, not just in towns but in rural areas. On Pecan Springs Ranch near Chambers Creek, Wilson Dabney Sims (1824-1892) owned 2,800 acres in 1890, with 1,000 acres cultivated by tenant farmers and with a cotton gin he opened for himself and his tenants. Eventually, related local businesses such as cotton compresses, cottonseed oil mills, and textile mills helped cotton's importance to the area grow exponentially. In 1900, Ellis County cotton production totaled 91,298 bales, topping out at a record 187,449 bales in 1912. Between 1895 and 1915, Ellis County frequently ranked first in the state and the nation in cotton production, and the crop remained a critical part of the local economy well into the 20th century.

Erected 2021 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 23296.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 32° 14.446′ N, 96° 55.223′ W. Marker is near Italy, Texas, in Ellis County. It is on L R Campbell Road 0.1 miles south of Bell Branch Road, on the right when traveling north.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 9, 2025

2. Cotton Industry in Ellis County Marker

The marker is located at the entrance to Pecan Springs Ranch, alongside two other Texas Historical Commission markers. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1900 L.R Campbell Rd, Italy TX 76651, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region

and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area.

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,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Sims Family of Ellis County (here, next to this marker); Shawnee Cattle Trail (a few steps from this marker); Chambers' Creek (approx. 3 miles away); Bethel Cemetery (approx. 3.8 miles away); Bethel Methodist Church (approx. 3.8 miles away); John Marr Hardeman (approx. 4.2 miles away); Greathouse Community, Church, and Cemetery (approx. 4.3 miles away); General Edward H. Tarrant (approx. 4½ miles away).

Cotton Industry in Ellis County Marker (left side marker) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 9, 2025

3. Cotton Industry in Ellis County Marker (left side marker)

Touch for a list and map of all markers in Italy.

The view of the markers at the entrance to the Pecan Springs Ranch image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 9, 2025

4. The view of the markers at the entrance to the Pecan Springs Ranch

Credits. This page was last revised on December 10, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 9, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 10, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.