Longview in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Came the Railroad

1870

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015

1. First Came the Railroad Marker

Inscription. The original site of Longview lay on the western outskirts of Earpville, a pioneer Upshur County community along the old Marshall-Tyle Road (today known as U.S. Highway 80). Founded around 1850 by James Earp, (pronounced "Arpville") consisted of several farmhouses, a post office, blacksmith shop, a church, one or two stores, stagecoach stop and campground.
After the War between the States, Northern capital allowed the Southern Pacific Railroad to expand toward California from the pre-war terminus at Marshall. The Southern Pacific purchased a 100-acre tract in April 1870 from farmer O.H. Methvin, laying out a town site in advance of track construction. The name "Longview," was selected for the new town and was inspired by the scenic view from atop Rock Hill, where Methvin's home was located.

Erected 2000 by One Hundred Acres of Heritage, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1870.

Location. 32° 29.734′ N, 94° 44.212′ W. Marker is in Longview, Texas, in Gregg County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of East Methvin Street and North Green Street. Located in Heritage Plaza. Touch for map

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. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219 East Methvin Street, Longview TX 75601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A New County is Born (here, next to this marker); Longview Becomes the Hub for Railroad Expansion (here, next to this marker); The Railroad Transforms a Pioneer Community (here, next to this marker); A Railroad Boom Town Settles Down (a few steps from this marker); "Dolly" — Longview's First Fire Engine (a few steps from this marker); Rails, Timber and Cotton Bring Growth (a few steps from this marker); The Good Old Days (a few steps from this marker); Technology Brings Modern Conveniences (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longview.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Texas State Historical Association on Longview. (Submitted on September 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)

First Came the Railroad 1870 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015

2. First Came the Railroad 1870

Texas & Pacific Engine #642 (Photo from marker) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015

3. Texas & Pacific Engine #642 (Photo from marker)

Heritage Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015

4. Heritage Plaza

Location photo at intersection of North Green & East Methvin Streets. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015

5. Location photo at intersection of North Green & East Methvin Streets.

Dedication plaque. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 17, 2015

6. Dedication plaque.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 453 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 28, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.