On Shepard Hill Road, 1.5 miles west of Interstate 45, on the left when traveling west.
Founded before 1840 as trade center, rich plantation area. Many prominent families had Texas beginnings here. At peak, town had 15 businesses, several churches, good schools; refusing right-of-way to Houston & Great Northern Railway in 1870s, lost . . . — — Map (db m155630) HM
On North Bell Street at Waverly Street, on the left when traveling north on North Bell Street.
Following the Civil War, area farmers found the climate and soil conditions of Montgomery County were ideal for the production of tobacco. The varieties grown here were of the highest quality, winning international awards in Chicago and Paris. At . . . — — Map (db m127478) HM
On Martin Luther King Boulevard at Holland Street, on the left when traveling east on Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Organized in 1867 as the Thomas Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, South, this congregation is the oldest in Willis and pre-dates the founding of the community. Worship services were held in log and frame buildings and brush arbors before this . . . — — Map (db m232033) HM
On North Danville Street (State Highway 75) at East Stewart Street, on the right when traveling north on North Danville Street.
Founded in 1870. Named for P. J. and R. S. Willis (large land and timber owners who formerly were merchants in area). They gave townsite, on the Houston & Great Northern Railroad. With the line came prosperity, and in 1874 Willis and Montgomery . . . — — Map (db m127477) HM
On West Rogers Street at North Thomason Street, on the right when traveling west on West Rogers Street.
Founded 1888, when coeducation was rare. Willis citizens raised funds for 2 1/2 - story building put up by contractor Sidney L. Inglet.
Taxes funded three of the six months of school; monthly tuition for rest of year ranged from $1.50 (first . . . — — Map (db m232039) HM
On North Thomason Street at Waverly Street, on the right when traveling south on North Thomason Street.
Worshipped in school until this building was erected under pastors G.S. Sandel, J.M. Pugh, 1877-1879. Pioneer citizen, Capt. T.W. Smith gave bell for steeple. Pews and chancel rail made by cabinetmaker E.A. Anderson. Recorded Texas Historic . . . — — Map (db m232036) HM
