Corsicana in Navarro County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Corsicana
The town was named for Corsica, the homeland of the parents of Texas patriot Jose Antonio Navarro, for whom the county was named. Corsicana was first governed by a town commission, whose duty was to map the area and sell lots. Early settler Hampton McKinney built a log cabin for his home, which also was used as a school, post office, courthouse, and land office. He also operated the McKinney Tavern, where many early settlers and travelers boarded. Other early Corsicana businesses included a hardware store, carpenter shop, drug store, saddle shop, saloon, and blacksmith shop.
A period of tremendous growth was initiated in 1871 with the coming of the Houston & Central Texas Railroad. The first free public schools were offered during the early 1880s, and the late 19th century saw Corsicana in the midst of an oil boom. The city became a Texas pioneer in commercial oil production and in the use of natural gas for fuel and lighting and continues today as a leader in the area's growth.
Erected 1985 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11604.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 32° 5.613′ N, 96° 28.012′ W. Marker is in Corsicana, Texas, in Navarro County. Marker is on North 12th Street near West 5th Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 North 12th Street, Corsicana TX 75110, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Corsicana Public Library (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Corsicana City Jail of 1908 (about 300 feet away); Samuel Wistar Johnson, M. D. (about 400 feet away); R.N. White (about 500 feet away); Westminster Presbyterian Church (about 600 feet away); The Call To Arms (about 800 feet away); Henry G. Damon (about 800 feet away); Jose Antonio Navarro (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Corsicana.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 623 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 6, 2012, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.