Texas Historical Marker #12639
Maydelle. In 1906, the Texas State Railroad built to this area for timber to fuel iron manufacturing at the penitentiary in Rusk. The branch prison established at the railhead was called Camp Wright. When Rusk native Thomas Campbell became governor, he persuaded the Legislature to extend the line to Palestine, where it met the I&GN Railway. The line brought new settlement to the Camp Wright area, and in 1910, residents platted the new town of Maydelle, named for the governor's daughter, who sang at the townsite's dedication. The town was an early center for cotton, timber and tomato production, but its population, like in other rural Texas towns, declined by the latter part of the 20th century. (2003) #12639
?, Maydelle, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #06622
Ben Cannon Ferry. Native American and early Anglo settlers in this region forded the Neches River at this site, called Duty Crossing for early settler Richard Duty. A significant link in the history of transportation across the river, the Ben Cannon Ferry is first documented in Cherokee County Commissioners court records in 1848. Pioneer settler Ben Canon operated the Ferry until 1851. A toll bridge operated north of the ferry site from 1854 to 1924. The route of the Texas State Railroad crosses the Neches just north of the ferry site. #6622
?, Maydelle, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #06956
Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church. This congregation was organized in 1854 and represents one of Cherokee County's oldest Baptist churches. The Rev. G. W. Slover served as first pastor. The first church building, erected here on land donated by Green B. Hill, was replaced with a frame sanctuary after the Civil War. Sunday School and other church facilities have been added over the years. Several early church members and their descendants are buried in the nearby Pleasant Grove Cemetery. The church, whose past membership has included several area civic leaders, continues to provide spiritual guidance for the area. #6956
?, Maydelle, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #06771
Gent Village. Located on top of Gent Mountain between two creeks, the village of Gent was settled in the 1850s primarily by families from Alabama and Tennessee in search of good farmland. The early settlers quickly established religious and educational institutions, and by 1900 the village boasted several stores, mills and cotton gins as well. Construction of the Texas State Railroad from Rusk to Palestine and the founding of the town of Maydelle (1.5 mi. s.) in 1910 pulled business away from Gent. Gradually the village was abandoned, and today not a single structure remains. #6771
?, Maydelle, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #06899
Mewshaw State Sawmill and Maydell CCC Camp. In operation from 1908 to 1912, the Mewshaw State Sawmill at this site produced 35,000 board feet of lumber daily and was staffed by convict laborers form the nearby Rusk State Penitentiary. The village of Maydelle later developed on the rail line that ran between Rusk and Palestine, and in 1933 a forest conservation camp under the auspices of the Federal Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was established here. The camp was closed in 1937, but the benefits of its programs are still evident in the I. D. Fairchild State Forest, now a wildlife sanctuary. #6899
?, Maydelle, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #06953
Odom-Crawford House. The Rev. Randal Odom moved here in 1847 and constructed this house for his family. Using hand-hewn logs, he built the original two rooms and connecting "dog trot" hallway. A detached building served as the kitchen. After the Civil War he sold the property to his son R. N. Odom. Isaac Crawford and his wife Edie Ann (Clark) purchased the residence in 1882. Although not continuously occupied since that date, it has remained in the Crawford family. #6953
?, Maydelle, TX, United States