|
Jourdanton main
street scene, showing the J. C. Applewhite Bakery, far left, early
1900s.
Photo courtesy texasoldphotos.com |
History in
a Pecan Shell
While Col. T. H.
Zanderson is credited with founding the town in 1909, the name comes
from that of Jourdan Campbell, who drew the blueprint for the railroad
(the Artesian Belt) showing the town as a proposed stop. Citizens
of Jourdanton raised a $50,000 to lure the railroad into bringing
their main line into town.
Lots were auctioned off and cattle and cotton were soon being shipped
to San Antonio from
the Jourdanton depot. By 1914, with a population of 1,200, Jourdanton
was a thriving town.
It experienced a ten-year decline which ended in the mid 20s. For
the 1930 Census, Jourdanton was down to 767 residents.
Oil was discovered in 1942 which lead another period of growth. The
1952 population reached a new high of 1,483. In 1956 the 1909 courthouse
was remodeled. In 1965 Jourdanton reported 1,990 residents. The railroad
stopped running in the 1960s. |
Jourdanton,
Texas
Landmarks & Attractions
with photo gallery |
The Catholic
Church in Jourdanton
Photo
courtesy texasoldphotos.com
More Texas Churches |
PEOPLE
Armless Judge
by Mike Cox ("Texas Tales" Column)
Paul Desmuke |
| 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
us. |
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