Timpson

In 1884, Houston businessman Paul Bremond (1810-1885), and other investors began planning for a new railroad to connect Houston and Shreveport, Louisiana. Surveys soon began along the proposed route, and in 1885 the town of Timpson was founded, named for Paul C. Timpson, the railroad official who laid out the town. The Houston, East and West Texas Railroad, a narrow gauge system, was soon a reality, and the first passenger train arrived in the new town on August 1, 1885. The first businesses in the new town were two stores, separated by a pine thicket which would later be cleared for use as the town square. Within a year, the population had grown to 1,000. Within the first year of Timpson's founding, a school was begun, and churches and fraternal organizations were organized. Many businesses were established, including a newspaper; grocery, drug, and other retail stores; an ice company; factories; and banks. The town became an important East Texas lumber, cotton, and rail center, as well. Railroads continued their important role in Timpson until the 1940s, when development of state roads and highways decreased the use of rail shipments. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

Timpson is a historical marker in Timpson, Shelby County, dedicated in 1986. It is one of 35 historical markers documented in Shelby County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 124 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.9066, -94.3976 near Timpson. The nearest cataloged historic site is Timpson Missionary (cemetery), about 2.4 miles away. Others within a short drive include Buena Vista Cemetery, Buena Vista Cemetery, and Weaver Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5419007700. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.