Historical Marker

First Ice Factory in Texas

Jefferson · Marion County · Dedicated 1936 · THC Atlas #5315008038

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Marker Inscription

Blackburn Syrup Works

About this site

First Ice Factory in Texas is a historical marker in Jefferson, Marion County, dedicated in 1936. It is one of 94 historical markers documented in Marion County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 132 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.7639, -94.3664 near Jefferson. The nearest cataloged historic site is Freeman Plantation (historical marker), about 0.2 miles away. Others within a short drive include Freeman Plantation, Hodge--Taylor House, and Sagamore.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5315008038. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.

History

This marker records the Jefferson site where, about 1873, David Boyle set up one of the earliest artificial ice plants in the United States, housed in a lean-to at a local lumber mill. Using an ammonia-compression process, the firm of Boyle and Scott sold manufactured ice at ten cents a pound, delivered around town by B. J. Benefield, before the plant was later moved to Harrisburg. The 1936 Texas Centennial marker commemorates Jefferson's role in the early history of mechanical refrigeration.

Sources: hmdb.org tshaonline.org

📍 32.7639, -94.3664 · Jefferson, Marion County

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