Bryson, Texas, Jack County. (original) (raw)

Downtown Bryson
TE Photo, 2006

History in a Pecan Shell

It was once known as Mount Hecla - but no one can remember why. The community did have postal service under that name in 1878. Henry Bryson showed up and built a log cabin that same year and the name was changed in his honor. Mr. Bryson was evidently a persuavsive type for he later became a county commissioner. The Chicago, Rock Island and Texas Railway arrived in 1903 - always a milestone event in the life of a small town.

Despite it being alongside a railroad, Bryson remained a quiet town - described by the Handbook of Texas as "a business and school community of area cattlemen." Oil was discovered in Jack County in 1898, but no one really knew what to do with the stuff. By the 1920s they did and the town become a processing center.

Bryson was soon Jack County's "second city." Incorporated in 1931, it had just over 800 residents by 1947 - the high-water mark.

Oil production fell and people started leaving as the jobs and money evaporated. It was down to 450 by the late 70s but has since regained a few people.

In 1988 there were an estimated 690 residents and the figure for the 2010 was 539.

Historicial Marker - On Highway 380

Bryson

Jack County Petroleum Capital. Founder, Henry E. Bryson (September 1, 1839 - October 25, 1909), a Civil War veteran, farmer and stockraiser, built first log cabin here in 1878. After Bryson post office was established in 1882, the town developed as a center for the growing of cotton and grain. Rock Island Railroad reached here in 1902. The first oil well was drilled 1925; town in 1920s and 30s had a gasoline plant; from 1935 until late 1954 an oil refinery was in operation here. Churches, schools, social and civic clubs and Masonic bodies have contributed to growth.
(1968)

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