Roxton, Texas, Lamar County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

A timeline of significant events in Roxton's history:
1837: Originaly named Fort Shelton, Roxton was established by Jesse Shelton, an early settler who had settled on Cane Creek (three miles southwest of the present location).
1853: The community was known as Prairie Mount when the first post office was granted.
1869: The post office is renamed Roxton. The new name is believed to be a simplification of Rockstown or Rockston; it refers either to a prominent white limestone outcropping or to a distinctive rock gate built by a local landowner.
1887: The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway was extended just west of the original location of Roxton in order to connect with the Paris and Great Northern Railroad.
The town moved to the railroad and the original townsite became Old Roxton.
1890: Population reaches 226
1914: Population reaches 1,200 and Roxton gets it's own telephone company.
1974: Roxton is incorporated

Roxton

By Mike Cox ("Texas Tales" column)

Anyone who knew how the community of Prairie Mount came to be called Roxton is long buried in Roxton's cemetery, a resting place graced by lighted Texas and U.S. flags that fly around the clock.

Unless you're from Lamar County, chances are you haven't even heard of Roxton, much less how its name evolved.

Only 18 miles from Paris (Texas, not France), it seems much farther. No straight road connects Roxton to Paris or any other place, for that matter. The farm to market roads leading to town twist and turn with the contours and drainage of the land.

Settlement in the area began in 1837.... more

Roxton, Texas Landmarks

Downtown Roxton
Photo courtesy Mike Price, April 2008

Photo courtesy Mike Price, April 2008
"Located on FM 38 as you enter the town from the north, this bridge is one of only three to exist in Texas - a WPA railroad bridge that was built using bricks and mortar." - Robin Jett

Roxton, Texas Forum

Your information regarding the establishment of a fort near Roxton, Texas, is incorrect. It was established by Jesse Shelton, who was the father of Eli Shelton -- not Eli Shelton as stated. Jesse Shelton was my great, great, great grandfather. His son Eli was just a child when Fort Shelton was established. Thank you. - Lou Carolyn Rutherford, August 17, 2004

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