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History in
a Pecan Shell
A timeline of significant
events in Roxton's history:
1837: Originaly named Fort Shelton, Roxton was established
by Jesse Shelton, an early settler who had settled on Cane Creek (three
miles southwest of the present location).
1853: The community was known as Prairie Mount when
the first post office was granted.
1869: The post office is renamed Roxton. The new name
is believed to be a simplification of Rockstown or Rockston; it refers
either to a prominent white limestone outcropping or to a distinctive
rock gate built by a local landowner.
1887: The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway was extended
just west of the original location of Roxton in order to connect with
the Paris and Great Northern Railroad.
The town moved to the railroad and the original townsite became Old
Roxton.
1890: Population reaches 226
1914: Population reaches 1,200 and Roxton gets it's own telephone
company.
1974: Roxton is incorporated |
By Mike Cox ("Texas
Tales" column)
Anyone who knew how the community of Prairie Mount came to be called
Roxton is long buried in Roxton's cemetery, a resting place graced
by lighted Texas and U.S. flags that fly around the clock.
Unless you're from Lamar County, chances are you haven't even heard
of Roxton, much less how its name evolved.
Only 18 miles from Paris (Texas, not France), it seems much farther.
No straight road connects Roxton to Paris or any other place, for
that matter. The farm to market roads leading to town twist and turn
with the contours and drainage of the land.
Settlement in the area began in 1837.... more |
Downtown Roxton
Photo courtesy Mike
Price, April 2008 |
Photo
courtesy Mike
Price, April 2008
"Located on
FM 38 as you enter the town from the north, this bridge is one of
only three to exist in Texas - a WPA railroad bridge that was built
using bricks and mortar." - Robin Jett |
Roxton, Texas
Forum
Your information
regarding the establishment of a fort near Roxton, Texas, is incorrect.
It was established by Jesse Shelton, who was the father of Eli Shelton
-- not Eli Shelton as stated. Jesse Shelton was my great, great, great
grandfather. His son Eli was just a child when Fort Shelton was established.
Thank you. - Lou Carolyn Rutherford, August 17, 2004 |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
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