Historical Marker

Industry Cotton Gin

Historical marker location:
725 Main St., Industry, Texas
( To the left when facing the West Main Enrance of the Gin/City Hall Building at 725 Main St.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

GERMAN SETTLERS FRIEDRICH ERNST AND CHARLES FORDTRAN FOUNDED INDUSTRY, TEXAS IN 1831. THE SETTLEMENT WAS PART OF THE STEPHEN F. AUSTIN COLONIAL LAND GRANT AND WAS THE FIRST PERMANENT GERMAN SETTLEMENT IN TEXAS. ALTHOUGH CIGAR-MAKING DOMINATED THE TOWN’S EARLY INDUSTRY, BY THE 1850s COTTON BECAME THE AREA’S MAJOR CROP. ERNST KNOLLE, WHO EMIGRATED TO INDUSTRY FROM GERMANY IN 1844, PROSPERED AS A COTTON PLANTER AND HAD A GIN BUILT ON THIS LOCATION IN 1857. LOCAL GERMAN CRAFTSMEN, ANDREAS BUENGER AND THEODORE DAUM, HELPED CONSTRUCT THE ORIGINAL WOOD FRAME GIN WITH A SHINGLE ROOF. IT WAS ONE OF THE AREA’S FIRST OF TWELVE GINS BUILT BETWEEN 1857 AND 1890.

IN THE 1860s, KNOLLE SOLD THE GIN TO DAUM AFTER SUFFERING FROM FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES. IT WAS DURING THIS PERIOD THAT THE GIN WAS CONVERTED FROM MULE POWERED TO STEAM POWERED ENERGY. THREE GENERATIONS OF THE SCHRAMM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED THE GIN FROM 1876 TO 1963. THE SCHRAMMS MADE SIGNIFICANT UPGRADES TO THE GIN INCLUDING CONVERTING IT TO DIESEL POWER, INSTALLING A GINNING SYSTEM FROM THE TEXAS-BASED FIRM MURRAY COMPANY, AND CONSTRUCTING A GALVANIZED IRON STRUCTURE NEXT TO THE ORIGINAL WOODEN GIN IN 1929. THE GIN WAS SOLD TO LOCAL BUSINESSMAN, MILTON LINDEMANN IN 1963 WHO WAS AIDED IN ITS OPERATION BY CHARLES FORDTRAN, A DESCENDANT OF THE ORIGINAL SETTLER CHARLES FORDTRAN. THE GIN RAN FOR TEN YEARS UNTIL FORDTRAN’S HEALTH BEGAN TO FAIL. THE LAST BALE OF COTTON IN AUSTIN COUNTY WAS GINNED HERE IN 1973. IN 1976, MILTON HUEBNER BOUGHT THE PROPERTY AND THE ORIGINAL 1857 GIN WAS RAZED FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. THE HUEBNERS DONATED THE HISTORIC SITE TO THE CITY OF INDUSTRY IN 1996.

(2012)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

Agriculture
Texas is a country in its own right.
Yanis Varoufakis in The Guardian
Austin County, located in the southeastern part of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and the Akokisa. In the early 1820s, the Mexican government granted land to Stephen F. Austin, also known as the "Father of Texas," who established the first Anglo-American settlements in the region.

In 1824, Austin County was officially created as one of the original 23 counties of Texas. The county was named in honor of Stephen F. Austin and served as a major center for the colonization of Texas. During this time, settlers began to arrive and establish farms, bringing with them their unique cultures and traditions.

Austin County also played a significant role in the Texas Revolution. In 1832, local colonists held the Turtle Bayou Resolutions, which voiced their support for Antonio López de Santa Anna, who was then the leader of Mexico. However, as tensions escalated, the colonists became part of the rebellion against Mexican rule, leading to the famous Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. This battle marked a major turning point in Texas history, resulting in the defeat of Santa Anna's forces and the eventual independence of Texas.

Throughout the years, Austin County continued to develop and thrive. The county seat, Bellville, was established in 1848 and has remained an important cultural and economic center. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth of the county, connecting it with other regions. Today, Austin County is known for its rich agricultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant community, making it a unique and significant part of Texas history.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Austin County, Texas.

  • 1821 - Austin County is established as one of the original 23 counties in Texas.
  • 1831 - Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas", passes away and is buried in Austin County.
  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico, leading to an influx of settlers in Austin County.
  • 1856 - The town of Bellville is established as the county seat of Austin County.
  • 1861-1865 - Austin County residents actively participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1878 - The Texas state legislature formally recognizes Austin County as the "Cradle of the Republic".
  • 1887 - The San Felipe and Southwestern Railroad connects Austin County to the rest of Texas.
  • 1907 - The Brazos River floods Austin County, causing significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1965 - The Stephen F. Austin State Park is established in Austin County.
  • 1992 - The Austin County Historical Commission is formed to preserve the county's history and heritage.
  • Present - Austin County continues to thrive as an agricultural and historic region in Texas.
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