Marker Inscription
Founded in 1870. Named for P. J. and R. S. Willis (large land and timber owners who formerly were merchants in area). They gave townsite, on the Houston & Great Northern Railroad. With the line came prosperity, and in 1874 Willis and Montgomery vied for county seat, but both eventually lost to Conroe. Willis boasted a college, opera house, numerous stores; and by 1895 had vast tobacco fields supporting 7 cigar factories. This industry faded when tariff on Cuban tobacco was lifted. Present industries are timber and livestock.
About this site
Willis is a historical marker in Willis, Montgomery County, dedicated in 1970. It is one of 67 historical markers documented in Montgomery County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 165 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 30.4205, -95.4785 near Willis. The nearest cataloged historic site is Powell, William P. (historical marker), about 0.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Willis Methodist Church, Willis Cigar Factory, and Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5339007908. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
