Cuney
Historical marker location:The earliest area settlers were Andrew "Andy" Bragg and Nelson Sneed, black farmers who moved here in 1870. Former slaves, they were later joined by other freedmen farmers, landowners and tradesmen. The settlement that resulted was known as Andy. In 1916 former Palestine banker H. L. Price moved to the community. Encouraged by the area's potential as a commercial and agricultural center for blacks, he directed formation of the Andy Real Estate Company. He was joined in the operation by his son Cuney Price, W. D. Thomas, J. Z. Thomas, W. A. Hall, and John Bragg. The firm renamed the town Cuney for Price's son, who was named for the prominent black business and state political leader Norris Wright Cuney.
Statewide promotion of the town resulted in rapid growth for Cuney, which soon included churches, stores, gins, sawmills, a railroad station, a hotel and a baseball team. Nelson Sneed donated land for the establishment of community schools.
Cuney declined after World War I as agricultural prices decreased and area residents moved to other towns for work. Today it serves as a reminder of the area's pioneers and the significant contribution they made to the heritage of Texas' black community. (1982)
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.
You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas.
In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.
During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.
In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.
Cherokee County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cherokee County, Texas.
- 1846: Cherokee County is created and organized.
- 1847: The town of Rusk is designated as the county seat.
- 1850s: The area sees conflicts between the Cherokee and local settlers.
- 1861-1865: Cherokee County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
- 1872: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Rusk, boosting the local economy.
- 1900: The discovery of the large Berry gypsum deposit leads to the establishment of the Frankston Gypsum Company.
- 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant economic challenges for Cherokee County.
- 1942: Camp Fannin, a World War II army training camp, is established in Cherokee County.
- 1982: Lake Palestine is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
- Present: Cherokee County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.