Falls County, Texas: Difference between revisions
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'''Falls County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Texas]]. As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], its population was 17,866.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48145.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=December 16, 2013}}</ref> The [[county seat]] is [[Marlin, Texas|Marlin]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |accessdate=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archivedate=2011-05-31 |df= }}</ref> It is named for the original 10-foot-tall [[waterfall]] on the [[Brazos River]], which existed until the river changed course during a storm in 1866. The present falls can be found two miles northeast of the original falls, at the '''Falls on the Brazos Park''', a camping site located only a few miles out of Marlin on [[List of Farm to Market Roads in Texas (700–799)#FM 712|Farm to Market Road 712]]. |
'''Falls County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Texas]]. As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], its population was 17,866.<ref name="QF">{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48145.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=December 16, 2013|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/603vHHbP4?url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/48/48145.html|archivedate=July 10, 2011|df=}}</ref> The [[county seat]] is [[Marlin, Texas|Marlin]].<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |accessdate=2011-06-07 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archivedate=2011-05-31 |df= }}</ref> It is named for the original 10-foot-tall [[waterfall]] on the [[Brazos River]], which existed until the river changed course during a storm in 1866. The present falls can be found two miles northeast of the original falls, at the '''Falls on the Brazos Park''', a camping site located only a few miles out of Marlin on [[List of Farm to Market Roads in Texas (700–799)#FM 712|Farm to Market Road 712]]. |
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Falls County is included in the [[Waco, Texas|Waco]], TX [[Waco metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. |
Falls County is included in the [[Waco, Texas|Waco]], TX [[Waco metropolitan area|Metropolitan Statistical Area]]. |
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With a large portion of its economy based on agriculture,<ref>[http://www.texasalmanac.com/topics/government/falls-county Falls County at Texas Almanac]</ref> Falls County is sixth among [[List of counties in Texas|254 Texas counties]] in [[Maize|corn]] production.<ref>[http://www.texasffa.org/%5Cdocs/2011%20Texas%20Farm%20Facts%209%2016.pdf Texas Farm Facts]</ref> |
With a large portion of its economy based on agriculture,<ref>[http://www.texasalmanac.com/topics/government/falls-county Falls County at Texas Almanac]</ref> Falls County is sixth among [[List of counties in Texas|254 Texas counties]] in [[Maize|corn]] production.<ref>[http://www.texasffa.org/%5Cdocs/2011%20Texas%20Farm%20Facts%209%2016.pdf Texas Farm Facts]{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The [[Brazos River]] valley served as hunting grounds for several tribes, including [[Waco people|Wacos]], Tawakonis, and [[Nadaco|Anadarko]]s. The [[Comanche]]s were often a more aggressive band who forced other tribes off the land. The [[Tawakoni]]<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=Tawakoni Indians| id= bmt22| author=Krieger, Margery H | retrieved=02 May 2010}} Texas State Historical Association</ref> branch of [[Wichita (tribe)|Wichita Indians]] originated north of Texas, but migrated south into east Texas. From 1843 onward, the Tawakoni were part of treaties made by both the [[Republic of Texas]] and the [[United States]]. |
The [[Brazos River]] valley served as hunting grounds for several tribes, including [[Waco people|Wacos]], Tawakonis, and [[Nadaco|Anadarko]]s. The [[Comanche]]s were often a more aggressive band who forced other tribes off the land. The [[Tawakoni]]<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=Tawakoni Indians| id= bmt22| author=Krieger, Margery H | retrieved=02 May 2010}} Texas State Historical Association</ref> branch of [[Wichita (tribe)|Wichita Indians]] originated north of Texas, but migrated south into east Texas. From 1843 onward, the Tawakoni were part of treaties made by both the [[Republic of Texas]] and the [[United States]]. |
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The [[Cherokee]]s arrived in the early 1830s. [[Sam Houston]], adopted son of Chief Oolooteka ([[John Jolly]]) of the Cherokee, negotiated the February 1836 treaty between [[The Bowl (Cherokee chief)|Chief Bowl]]<ref name="Houston, Sam">{{cite web | title=Houston, Sam | publisher=The Sam Houston Memorial Museum | url=http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/History/ | accessdate=3 May 2010}}T he Sam Houston Memorial Museum</ref> of the Cherokees and the [[Republic of Texas]].<ref name="Houston, Sam"/><ref>{{cite web | title=The Texas Cherokee | publisher=R. Edward Moore and Texarch Associates | url=http://www.texasindians.com/cherokee.htm | accessdate=3 May 2010}} R. Edward Moore and Texarch Associates</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Houston, Sam | publisher=PBS | url=https://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/d_h/houston.htm | accessdate=3 May 2010}}</ref> |
The [[Cherokee]]s arrived in the early 1830s. [[Sam Houston]], adopted son of Chief Oolooteka ([[John Jolly]]) of the Cherokee, negotiated the February 1836 treaty between [[The Bowl (Cherokee chief)|Chief Bowl]]<ref name="Houston, Sam">{{cite web | title=Houston, Sam | publisher=The Sam Houston Memorial Museum | url=http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/History/ | accessdate=3 May 2010 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524144101/http://www.shsu.edu/~smm_www/History/ | archivedate=24 May 2010 | df= }}T he Sam Houston Memorial Museum</ref> of the Cherokees and the [[Republic of Texas]].<ref name="Houston, Sam"/><ref>{{cite web | title=The Texas Cherokee | publisher=R. Edward Moore and Texarch Associates | url=http://www.texasindians.com/cherokee.htm | accessdate=3 May 2010}} R. Edward Moore and Texarch Associates</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Houston, Sam | publisher=PBS | url=https://www.pbs.org/weta/thewest/people/d_h/houston.htm | accessdate=3 May 2010}}</ref> |
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January 1839, Falls County saw two brutal massacres by the [[Anadarko people|Anadarko]]s, under chief José María,<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=José María| id= fjo74| author=Hosmer, Brian C | retrieved=03 May 2010}} Texas State Historical Association</ref> at the homes of George Morgan and John Marlin.<ref>{{cite web | title=Morgan's Massacre | publisher=Fort Tours | url=http://www.forttours.com/pages/idmorgan.asp | author=Wilbarger, J.W. | accessdate=3 May 2010}}</ref> A retaliatory offensive by settlers was ineffective and forced the group into a retreat. |
January 1839, Falls County saw two brutal massacres by the [[Anadarko people|Anadarko]]s, under chief José María,<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=José María| id= fjo74| author=Hosmer, Brian C | retrieved=03 May 2010}} Texas State Historical Association</ref> at the homes of George Morgan and John Marlin.<ref>{{cite web | title=Morgan's Massacre | publisher=Fort Tours | url=http://www.forttours.com/pages/idmorgan.asp | author=Wilbarger, J.W. | accessdate=3 May 2010}}</ref> A retaliatory offensive by settlers was ineffective and forced the group into a retreat. |
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In 1846, several tribes negotiated a treaty<ref>{{cite web|title=U.S. Treaty with the Comanche, Aionai, Andarko, Caddo, etc. 1846 |publisher=Oklahoma State University |url=http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/VOL2/treaties/com0554.htm |accessdate=3 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615184447/http://digital.library.okstate.edu |
In 1846, several tribes negotiated a treaty<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Treaty with the Comanche, Aionai, Andarko, Caddo, etc. 1846 |publisher=Oklahoma State University |url=http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/VOL2/treaties/com0554.htm |accessdate=3 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615184447/http://digital.library.okstate.edu/kappler/Vol2/treaties/com0554.htm |archivedate=15 June 2010 |df= }} publisher=Oklahoma State University</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=May 15, 1846 U.S. Treaty with the Comanche, Aionai, Andarko, Caddo, etc. | publisher=First People of America | url=http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Treaties/TreatyWithTheComancheAionaiAnadarkoCaddoetc1846.html | accessdate=3 May 2010}} publisher=First People of America</ref> with the [[Federal government of the United States|United States government]]. |
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===Settlers=== |
===Settlers=== |
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By the census of 1860<ref>{{cite web | title=1860 Census Falls County | publisher=Falls County Genealogy | url=http://www.txgenweb6.org/txfalls/censusdata.html | accessdate=3 May 2010}}</ref> the county had 1,716 slaves. Falls County voted in favor of [[Texas in the American Civil War|secession]] from the Union. The county fared better during [[Reconstruction era of the United States|Reconstruction]] than most, perhaps due to its distance from areas subject to [[Union (Civil War)|Union]] military occupation. |
By the census of 1860<ref>{{cite web | title=1860 Census Falls County | publisher=Falls County Genealogy | url=http://www.txgenweb6.org/txfalls/censusdata.html | accessdate=3 May 2010}}</ref> the county had 1,716 slaves. Falls County voted in favor of [[Texas in the American Civil War|secession]] from the Union. The county fared better during [[Reconstruction era of the United States|Reconstruction]] than most, perhaps due to its distance from areas subject to [[Union (Civil War)|Union]] military occupation. |
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[[Marlin, Texas|Marlin]]<ref>{{cite web | title=Marlin, Texas | publisher=Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. | url=http://www.texasescapes.com/TOWNS/Marlin/marlin.htm | accessdate=3 May 2010}} Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC.</ref> began to be known by the healing powers of its hot mineral waters by the 1890s.<ref>{{cite web|title=Marlin, Texas History |publisher=Marlin, Texas |url=http://www.marlintexas.com/history.htm |accessdate=3 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403162815/http://www.marlintexas.com |
[[Marlin, Texas|Marlin]]<ref>{{cite web | title=Marlin, Texas | publisher=Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. | url=http://www.texasescapes.com/TOWNS/Marlin/marlin.htm | accessdate=3 May 2010}} Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC.</ref> began to be known by the healing powers of its hot mineral waters by the 1890s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marlin, Texas History |publisher=Marlin, Texas |url=http://www.marlintexas.com/history.htm |accessdate=3 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403162815/http://www.marlintexas.com/history.htm |archivedate=3 April 2009 |df= }}</ref> [[Conrad Hilton]] built the Falls Hotel, with a tunnel to a mineral bath, to accommodate the business generated by the hot spring. |
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The [[Houston and Texas Central Railway]]<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=Houston Texas and Central Railway | id= eqh09| author=Werner, George C | retrieved=03 May 2010}} Texas State Historical Association</ref> became the first railroad through the county around 1870. The Waco Division of the [[San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway]],<ref>{{cite web |
The [[Houston and Texas Central Railway]]<ref>{{Handbook of Texas | name=Houston Texas and Central Railway | id= eqh09| author=Werner, George C | retrieved=03 May 2010}} Texas State Historical Association</ref> became the first railroad through the county around 1870. The Waco Division of the [[San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway]],<ref>{{cite web| title=San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway| url=http://saap.tnorr.com/| accessdate=3 May 2010| deadurl=yes| archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060912172901/http://saap.tnorr.com/| archivedate=12 September 2006| df=}}</ref> in 1886-1925, had multiple stops in Falls County. In 1902 the [[Missouri Pacific Railroad]]<ref>{{cite web | title=Missouri Pacific Railroad | publisher=Missouri Pacific Historical Society, Inc | url=http://www.mopac.org/history_mp.asp | accessdate=3 May 2010 | deadurl=yes | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110409011728/http://www.mopac.org/history_mp.asp | archivedate=9 April 2011 | df= }} Missouri Pacific Historical Society, Inc</ref> passed through the county. |
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A log cabin served as the county's first courthouse in the 1850s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Falls County Courthouse |publisher=Texas Historical Markers |url=http://www.9key.com/markers/marker_detail.asp?atlas_number=5145011717 |accessdate=3 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314204859/http://www.9key.com/markers/marker_detail.asp?atlas_number=5145011717 |archivedate=14 March 2012 |df= }}</ref> until the second courthouse was built of white cedar. The second courthouse burned in 1870. A third courthouse was built in 1876 but was damaged by a storm in 1886. |
A log cabin served as the county's first courthouse in the 1850s,<ref>{{cite web|title=Falls County Courthouse |publisher=Texas Historical Markers |url=http://www.9key.com/markers/marker_detail.asp?atlas_number=5145011717 |accessdate=3 May 2010 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314204859/http://www.9key.com/markers/marker_detail.asp?atlas_number=5145011717 |archivedate=14 March 2012 |df= }}</ref> until the second courthouse was built of white cedar. The second courthouse burned in 1870. A third courthouse was built in 1876 but was damaged by a storm in 1886. |
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|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2016.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=June 9, 2017}}</ref> |
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2016">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2016.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=June 9, 2017}}</ref> |
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|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=April 26, 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6YSasqtfX?url=http |
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=April 26, 2015|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://www.webcitation.org/6YSasqtfX?url=http://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|archivedate=May 12, 2015|df=}}</ref><br/>1850–2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://texasalmanac.com/sites/default/files/images/topics/ctypophistweb2010.pdf|title=Texas Almanac: Population History of Counties from 1850–2010|publisher=Texas Almanac|accessdate=April 26, 2015}}</ref> 2010–2014<ref name="QF"/> |
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As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR8">{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2011-05-14 |title=American FactFinder |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911234518/http://factfinder2.census.gov |archivedate=2013-09-11 |df= }}</ref> of 2000, there were 18,576 people, 6,496 households, and 4,410 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 24 people per square mile (9/km²). There were 7,658 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 61.50% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 27.45% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.50% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.11% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 8.81% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.59% from two or more races. 15.83% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. |
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR8">{{cite web |url=http://factfinder2.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |accessdate=2011-05-14 |title=American FactFinder |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130911234518/http://factfinder2.census.gov/ |archivedate=2013-09-11 |df= }}</ref> of 2000, there were 18,576 people, 6,496 households, and 4,410 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 24 people per square mile (9/km²). There were 7,658 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 61.50% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 27.45% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.50% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.11% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.04% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 8.81% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.59% from two or more races. 15.83% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. |
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There were 6,496 households out of which 30.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.20% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 15.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.10% were non-families. 29.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.15. |
There were 6,496 households out of which 30.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.20% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 15.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.10% were non-families. 29.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.15. |
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The [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]] (TDCJ) operates the [[Marlin Unit]], a transfer facility for men, in the city of [[Marlin, Texas|Marlin]]. The unit opened in June 1992 and was transferred to the [[Texas Youth Commission]] (TYC) in May 1995.<ref name="TDCJMarlin">"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/n1.htm Marlin Unit]." [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]. Retrieved on September 22, 2010.</ref> When it was a part of TYC, the facility, then called the Marlin Orientation and Assessment Unit,<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20011110114953/http://www.tyc.state.tx.us/programs/facility_address.html Facility Address List]." Texas Youth Commission. November 10, 2001. Retrieved on June 24, 2010.</ref> served as the place of orientation for [[Minor (law)|minor]]s of both sexes being committed into the TYC's care, from the facility's opening in 1995 to its transfer out of TYC in 2007.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20011110110815/http://www.tyc.state.tx.us/about/how_movethru.html How Offenders Move Through TYC]." [[Texas Youth Commission]]. November 10, 2001. Retrieved on June 24, 2010.</ref> |
The [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]] (TDCJ) operates the [[Marlin Unit]], a transfer facility for men, in the city of [[Marlin, Texas|Marlin]]. The unit opened in June 1992 and was transferred to the [[Texas Youth Commission]] (TYC) in May 1995.<ref name="TDCJMarlin">"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/n1.htm Marlin Unit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725201337/http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/n1.htm |date=2010-07-25 }}." [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]. Retrieved on September 22, 2010.</ref> When it was a part of TYC, the facility, then called the Marlin Orientation and Assessment Unit,<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20011110114953/http://www.tyc.state.tx.us/programs/facility_address.html Facility Address List]." Texas Youth Commission. November 10, 2001. Retrieved on June 24, 2010.</ref> served as the place of orientation for [[Minor (law)|minor]]s of both sexes being committed into the TYC's care, from the facility's opening in 1995 to its transfer out of TYC in 2007.<ref>"[https://web.archive.org/web/20011110110815/http://www.tyc.state.tx.us/about/how_movethru.html How Offenders Move Through TYC]." [[Texas Youth Commission]]. November 10, 2001. Retrieved on June 24, 2010.</ref> |
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In September 2007 the facility was transferred back to the TDCJ.<ref name="TDCJMarlin"/> The TDCJ also operates the [[William P. Hobby Unit]], a prison for women located southwest of Marlin in [[unincorporated area|unincorporated]] Falls County.<ref>"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/hb.htm Hobby Unit]." [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]. Retrieved on September 22, 2010.</ref> |
In September 2007 the facility was transferred back to the TDCJ.<ref name="TDCJMarlin"/> The TDCJ also operates the [[William P. Hobby Unit]], a prison for women located southwest of Marlin in [[unincorporated area|unincorporated]] Falls County.<ref>"[http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/hb.htm Hobby Unit] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725201237/http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/stat/unitdirectory/hb.htm |date=2010-07-25 }}." [[Texas Department of Criminal Justice]]. Retrieved on September 22, 2010.</ref> |
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==Communities== |
==Communities== |
Revision as of 00:20, 28 September 2017
Falls County | |
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![]() The Falls County Courthouse in Marlin. The courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 13, 2000. | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of Texas | |
![]() Texas's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 31°16′N 96°56′W / 31.26°N 96.93°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | 1850 |
Seat | Marlin |
Largest city | Marlin |
Area | |
• Total | 774 sq mi (2,000 km2) |
• Land | 765 sq mi (1,980 km2) |
• Water | 8.4 sq mi (22 km2) 1.1% |
Population (2010) | |
• Total | 17,866 |
• Density | 23/sq mi (9/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−6 (Central) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−5 (CDT) |
Congressional district | 17th |
Website | www |
Falls County is a county located in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, its population was 17,866.[1] The county seat is Marlin.[2] It is named for the original 10-foot-tall waterfall on the Brazos River, which existed until the river changed course during a storm in 1866. The present falls can be found two miles northeast of the original falls, at the Falls on the Brazos Park, a camping site located only a few miles out of Marlin on Farm to Market Road 712.
Falls County is included in the Waco, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area.
With a large portion of its economy based on agriculture,[3] Falls County is sixth among 254 Texas counties in corn production.[4]
History
Native Americans
The Brazos River valley served as hunting grounds for several tribes, including Wacos, Tawakonis, and Anadarkos. The Comanches were often a more aggressive band who forced other tribes off the land. The Tawakoni[5] branch of Wichita Indians originated north of Texas, but migrated south into east Texas. From 1843 onward, the Tawakoni were part of treaties made by both the Republic of Texas and the United States.
The Cherokees arrived in the early 1830s. Sam Houston, adopted son of Chief Oolooteka (John Jolly) of the Cherokee, negotiated the February 1836 treaty between Chief Bowl[6] of the Cherokees and the Republic of Texas.[6][7][8]
January 1839, Falls County saw two brutal massacres by the Anadarkos, under chief José María,[9] at the homes of George Morgan and John Marlin.[10] A retaliatory offensive by settlers was ineffective and forced the group into a retreat.
In 1846, several tribes negotiated a treaty[11][12] with the United States government.
Settlers
Empresarios "Sterling C. Robertson:Texas Association/Nashville Co." and Robert Leftwich received a grant from the Coahuila y Tejas legislature to settle 800 families.[13] By contracting how many families each grantee could settle, the government sought to have some control over colonization. Robertson began bringing American settlers to his Nashville colony (later called Robertson's Colony).[14] Most of the settlers came from Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. He named the capital of the Nashville colony Sarahville de Viesca.[15] Fort Viesca was built in 1834, with a name change to Fort Milam in 1835.[16] The settlement was deserted during the Runaway Scrape[17] of 1836, and reoccupied after the Battle of San Jacinto.[18]
County established and growth
The state legislature formed Falls County from Limestone and Milam counties in 1850, and named it after the falls of the Brazos River.[19][20] Marlin became the county seat.
By the census of 1860[21] the county had 1,716 slaves. Falls County voted in favor of secession from the Union. The county fared better during Reconstruction than most, perhaps due to its distance from areas subject to Union military occupation.
Marlin[22] began to be known by the healing powers of its hot mineral waters by the 1890s.[23] Conrad Hilton built the Falls Hotel, with a tunnel to a mineral bath, to accommodate the business generated by the hot spring.
The Houston and Texas Central Railway[24] became the first railroad through the county around 1870. The Waco Division of the San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway,[25] in 1886-1925, had multiple stops in Falls County. In 1902 the Missouri Pacific Railroad[26] passed through the county.
A log cabin served as the county's first courthouse in the 1850s,[27] until the second courthouse was built of white cedar. The second courthouse burned in 1870. A third courthouse was built in 1876 but was damaged by a storm in 1886.
A fourth courthouse was built in 1888, which by the 1930s had greatly deteriorated. The concrete, brick, and stone fifth and present-day courthouse[28] was completed in 1939 by architect Arthur E. Thomas.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 774 square miles (2,000 km2), of which 765 square miles (1,980 km2) is land and 8.4 square miles (22 km2) (1.1%) is water.[29]
Major highways
Interstate 35 (two miles)
U.S. Highway 77
State Highway 6
State Highway 7
State Highway 14
State Highway 53
State Highway 320
Adjacent counties
- Limestone County (northeast)
- Robertson County (southeast)
- Milam County (south)
- Bell County (southwest)
- McLennan County (northwest)
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1860 | 3,614 | — | |
1870 | 9,851 | 172.6% | |
1880 | 16,240 | 64.9% | |
1890 | 20,706 | 27.5% | |
1900 | 33,342 | 61.0% | |
1910 | 35,649 | 6.9% | |
1920 | 36,217 | 1.6% | |
1930 | 38,771 | 7.1% | |
1940 | 35,984 | −7.2% | |
1950 | 26,724 | −25.7% | |
1960 | 21,263 | −20.4% | |
1970 | 17,300 | −18.6% | |
1980 | 17,946 | 3.7% | |
1990 | 17,712 | −1.3% | |
2000 | 18,576 | 4.9% | |
2010 | 17,866 | −3.8% | |
2016 (est.) | 17,273 | [30] | −3.3% |
U.S. Decennial Census[31] 1850–2010[32] 2010–2014[1] |
As of the census[33] of 2000, there were 18,576 people, 6,496 households, and 4,410 families residing in the county. The population density was 24 people per square mile (9/km²). There were 7,658 housing units at an average density of 10 per square mile (4/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 61.50% White, 27.45% Black or African American, 0.50% Native American, 0.11% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 8.81% from other races, and 1.59% from two or more races. 15.83% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 6,496 households out of which 30.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.20% were married couples living together, 15.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.10% were non-families. 29.40% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.15.
In the county, the population was spread out with 27.60% under the age of 18, 7.80% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 20.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 85.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.40 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $26,589, and the median income for a family was $32,666. Males had a median income of $27,042 versus $20,128 for females. The per capita income for the county was $14,311. About 18.80% of families and 22.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.70% of those under age 18 and 18.40% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third Parties |
---|---|---|---|
2016 | 65.6% 3,441 | 32.1% 1,684 | 2.3% 123 |
2012 | 61.8% 3,356 | 37.4% 2,033 | 0.8% 45 |
2008 | 59.4% 3,328 | 39.7% 2,225 | 0.8% 46 |
2004 | 58.5% 3,454 | 41.1% 2,427 | 0.4% 21 |
2000 | 56.7% 3,239 | 42.3% 2,417 | 1.0% 59 |
1996 | 37.6% 2,260 | 54.2% 3,256 | 8.3% 496 |
1992 | 31.6% 1,826 | 47.8% 2,761 | 20.6% 1,186 |
1988 | 44.8% 2,344 | 54.9% 2,877 | 0.3% 16 |
1984 | 52.3% 3,133 | 47.3% 2,834 | 0.3% 19 |
1980 | 43.4% 2,606 | 55.4% 3,328 | 1.2% 73 |
1976 | 34.4% 2,261 | 65.1% 4,277 | 0.4% 29 |
1972 | 62.1% 3,017 | 37.6% 1,825 | 0.3% 15 |
1968 | 23.6% 1,345 | 52.5% 2,990 | 23.9% 1,364 |
1964 | 23.6% 1,216 | 76.4% 3,933 | 0.0% 2 |
1960 | 31.4% 1,559 | 68.5% 3,399 | 0.1% 7 |
1956 | 40.4% 1,819 | 59.3% 2,674 | 0.3% 14 |
1952 | 37.3% 1,962 | 62.5% 3,287 | 0.2% 8 |
1948 | 12.9% 546 | 80.3% 3,385 | 6.8% 287 |
1944 | 8.9% 377 | 75.6% 3,191 | 15.4% 651 |
1940 | 19.5% 958 | 80.5% 3,949 | 0.0% 1 |
1936 | 3.9% 140 | 95.9% 3,411 | 0.1% 5 |
1932 | 4.4% 181 | 95.4% 3,896 | 0.2% 7 |
1928 | 26.0% 877 | 73.8% 2,484 | 0.2% 7 |
1924 | 13.0% 448 | 81.5% 2,817 | 5.5% 191 |
1920 | 15.1% 585 | 48.4% 1,878 | 36.6% 1,420 |
1916 | 24.2% 729 | 67.6% 2,037 | 8.3% 249 |
1912 | 16.0% 353 | 75.3% 1,663 | 8.8% 194 |
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) operates the Marlin Unit, a transfer facility for men, in the city of Marlin. The unit opened in June 1992 and was transferred to the Texas Youth Commission (TYC) in May 1995.[35] When it was a part of TYC, the facility, then called the Marlin Orientation and Assessment Unit,[36] served as the place of orientation for minors of both sexes being committed into the TYC's care, from the facility's opening in 1995 to its transfer out of TYC in 2007.[37]
In September 2007 the facility was transferred back to the TDCJ.[35] The TDCJ also operates the William P. Hobby Unit, a prison for women located southwest of Marlin in unincorporated Falls County.[38]
Communities
Cities and towns
- Bruceville-Eddy (mostly in McLennan County)
- Golinda (small part in McLennan County)
- Lott
- Marlin (county seat)
- Rosebud
Census-designated place
Unincorporated communities
In popular culture
Marlin has been a filming location for two movies: Leadbelly (1976) and Infamous (2006).
In 2013, a ranch in northeast Falls County near Mart, Texas, was the site of the series premiere of Treehouse Masters, in which a couple had a $200,000 treehouse built on their property.[39]
See also
References
- ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 10, 2011. Retrieved December 16, 2013.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on 2011-05-31. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Falls County at Texas Almanac
- ^ Texas Farm Facts[permanent dead link]
- ^ Krieger, Margery H: Tawakoni Indians from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 02 May 2010. Texas State Historical Association
- ^ a b "Houston, Sam". The Sam Houston Memorial Museum. Archived from the original on 24 May 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help)T he Sam Houston Memorial Museum - ^ "The Texas Cherokee". R. Edward Moore and Texarch Associates. Retrieved 3 May 2010. R. Edward Moore and Texarch Associates
- ^ "Houston, Sam". PBS. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ^ Hosmer, Brian C: José María from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 03 May 2010. Texas State Historical Association
- ^ Wilbarger, J.W. "Morgan's Massacre". Fort Tours. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ^ "U.S. Treaty with the Comanche, Aionai, Andarko, Caddo, etc. 1846". Oklahoma State University. Archived from the original on 15 June 2010. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) publisher=Oklahoma State University - ^ "May 15, 1846 U.S. Treaty with the Comanche, Aionai, Andarko, Caddo, etc". First People of America. Retrieved 3 May 2010. publisher=First People of America
- ^ "Empresario Contracts in the Colonization of Texas 1825-1834". Texas A & M University. Retrieved 3 May 2010. Wallace L. McKeehan
- ^ McLean, Malcolm D: Robertson's Colony from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 03 May 2010. Texas State Historical Association
- ^ McLean, Malcolm D: Sarahville de Viesca from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 03 May 2010. Texas State Historical Association
- ^ Cutrer, Thomas W: Fort Milam from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 03 May 2010. Texas State Historical Association
- ^ Covington, Carolyn Callaway: Runaway Scrape from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 03 May 2010. Texas State Historical Association
- ^ "Battle of San Jacinto". Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Retrieved 3 May 2010. Texas State Library and Archives Commission
- ^ "Falls of the Brazos River". Texas Historical Markers. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. p. 123.
- ^ "1860 Census Falls County". Falls County Genealogy. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
- ^ "Marlin, Texas". Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved 3 May 2010. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC.
- ^ "Marlin, Texas History". Marlin, Texas. Archived from the original on 3 April 2009. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ Werner, George C: Houston Texas and Central Railway from the Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved 03 May 2010. Texas State Historical Association
- ^ "San Antonio and Aransas Pass Railway". Archived from the original on 12 September 2006. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Missouri Pacific Railroad". Missouri Pacific Historical Society, Inc. Archived from the original on 9 April 2011. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) Missouri Pacific Historical Society, Inc - ^ "Falls County Courthouse". Texas Historical Markers. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012. Retrieved 3 May 2010.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Falls County Courthouse". Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC. Retrieved 3 May 2010. Texas Escapes - Blueprints For Travel, LLC.
- ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
- ^ "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved June 9, 2017.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on May 12, 2015. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ "Texas Almanac: Population History of Counties from 1850–2010" (PDF). Texas Almanac. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
- ^ "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on 2013-09-11. Retrieved 2011-05-14.
{{cite web}}
: Unknown parameter|deadurl=
ignored (|url-status=
suggested) (help) - ^ http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS
- ^ a b "Marlin Unit Archived 2010-07-25 at the Wayback Machine." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on September 22, 2010.
- ^ "Facility Address List." Texas Youth Commission. November 10, 2001. Retrieved on June 24, 2010.
- ^ "How Offenders Move Through TYC." Texas Youth Commission. November 10, 2001. Retrieved on June 24, 2010.
- ^ "Hobby Unit Archived 2010-07-25 at the Wayback Machine." Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Retrieved on September 22, 2010.
- ^ Couple's 'Texas-sized' treehouse near Mart opens new television series
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- Falls County from the Handbook of Texas Online