Historical Markers in the Strawn Area
STRAWN CITY HALL
The city of Strawn, incorporated in 1917, held its first council meeting in a hall at a local bank building. During
an oil, gas, and coal inspired economic boom the city's population reached 5,000 in 1920, and in 1921 bonds for a
city hall were issued. This handsome classically-inspired local landmark was designed by Abilene architect David S.
Castle and built in 1923. It features cast stone detailing in its arched entry, quoins, and parapet, and a
decorative brick cornice. (1995)
BETHEL STRAWN
An 1858 settler and leading citizen of Palo Pinto County. Enlisted 1864 in Co. B. 1st Frontier District, Texas State
Troops, in Maj. Wm. Quayle's command. Saw service mainly in keeping down Indian depredations and protecting
settlements that were furnishing food, salt, hides, leather and other goods to aid the Confederate cause during the
Civil War. In 1880, when Texas and Pacific Railroad built through western Palo Pinto County, a stop was named for
Bethel Strawn, who owned land at that point. By 1885, Strawn settlement had grown into a town drawing off people
from old Palo Pinto. During 20th century oil developments, the name Strawn is used for petroleum bearing formations
of rock that underlie this county and other areas. Strawn minerals include coal, once mined locally. 36 Texas
counties were named for men prominent in the Confederacy during the Civil War. One county, Val Verde, was named for
a Civil War battlefield on which Texas troops were victorious during the New Mexico-Arizona campaign of 1861-1862.
41 Texas towns were named for men who figured in the Civil War. Strawn, however, is the one geological name
commemorating a Texan in the Civil War. (1965)
HOME OF STEPHEN BETHEL STRAWN
Born in Giles county, Tennessee. Came to Palo Pinto County, 1859, among first settlers in region. Married Jane
Allen, July 18, 1860. Served in Co. B, State Troops, during Civil War, protecting frontier. Built this house in
mid-1870s. Founded city of Strawn, 1880, to encourage Texas & Pacific Railway company to build through area. He was
landowner, rancher, and banker, with interests in local coal mining activities. (1973)
JAMES NESBIT STUART HOUSE
Built in 1874 by J. N. Stuart (1837-1910) and wife, Sally Allen Stuart (1835-1918), of materials hauled by ox-wagon
from east Texas. A ship builder, Andrew Murdock, joined frame with pegs. House was first in area to have milled
lumber and window glass. Four sons, all successful in later business life, were reared here. The youngest, Sally
James Stuart (named for his mother and father), became owner in 1910 -- the same year he wed Margaret Gordon. House
became a stopping place for circuit riders, public officials, travelers, and friends; still owned by Margaret
Stuart. (1971)
DAVIDSON CEMETERY
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SOURCE: wikipedia.org
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