Longview in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
King Cotton
1870
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
1. King Cotton Marker
At one time, nearly all the cotton crops in the state of Texas were grown in east Texas. As with most of the south, cotton played a major role in the Longview economy.
The emergence of "King Cotton" as a marketable cash crop, coupled with the distribution capabilities of the railroad, beginning in 1870, resulted in Longview becoming the natural trade center for the area.
In 1876, some 18,000 bales were shipped from Longview and by 1890 over 660 county farms were producing cotton.
Gregg County farmers would seasonally bring their harvest to town in a parade of cotton wagons, often using "Cotton Street," so named for the industry's importance to the community.
As late as 1910, cotton remained important, evidenced by the operation of the Longview Cotton Oil Company and the Longview Cotton Compress Company, the latter of which pressed 35,000 bales of cotton for compact shipment in its first season (1909 - 1910).
Erected 1990 by the City of Longview Commission on Arts & Culture.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Agriculture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 32° 29.625′ N, 94° 44.426′ W. Marker is in Longview, Texas, in Gregg County. Marker is at the intersection
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Longview Municipal Building and Central Fire Station (here, next to this marker); Timber – The First Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Kelly Plow Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); When Mule Power Moved People (about 300 feet away); First Baptist Church of Longview (about 400 feet away); Then Came the Railroad (about 500 feet away); Site of James S. Hogg Newspaper (about 500 feet away); Dalton Gang's Last Raid (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longview.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
2. King Cotton Marker in front of Longview Fire Administration Building
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
3. Farmers Parade Wagons
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015
4. King Cotton Marker next to Municipal & Fire Station building marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 408 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 25, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
