Harleton

Although settlement in this area between the forks of Big and Little Cypress creeks began in the 1830s, notable growth did not occur until the arrival of a railroad here in 1891. The railroad was a vital part of a venture financed by John H. Inman, organized by Edwin J. Fry, and executed by brothers Robert H. and James W. Harle, to exploit the area's virgin forests. Organized as the Hope Lumber Company, they constructed a depot and large commissary, installed a band sawmill, and extended a tram road into the Eagle Creek area. The nearby village of Grady was unable to compete against the Harles' well-stocked store and dance hall and soon faded. Its post office, renamed Harleton after the Harle brothers, was relocated to the Harle store. Harleton's economy boomed as timber production led to increased farm activity, and local merchants such as D. C. Webb and Son, Dreyfus-Little Mercantile Co., J. P. Craver and Son, and R. W. Taylor General Merchandise increased stocks to meet a growing demand for wares. By the late 1890s, however, Hope Lumber Company had processed the area's available timber and closed its mill. The railroad later joined with the Marshall & East Texas Railroad. Harleton continued, supported by agriculture and other timber operations in the area.

Harleton is a historical marker in Harleton, Harrison County, dedicated in 1993. It is one of 103 historical markers documented in Harrison County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 270 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.6747, -94.5705 near Harleton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Harleton Methodist Church (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Harleton Cornerstone, Center Cemetery, and Crockett.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5203010172. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.