Mumford Texas. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

Jesse Mumford

operated a ferry across the Brazos River in 1855 with a license issued from the county.

The original post office dates from 1878.

Italian immigrants were brought in to work the land on shares. After establishing themselves, they wrote back to Italy to have their countrymen join them, which they did.

The town throve throughout the 1890s. In 1895, the first iron bridge was built across the Brazos - only to be washed away four years later. The 1899 flood also washed away most of the town - a disaster that Mumford has never fully recovered from.

The Mumford Post Office & Collier's Store

"... James Michener and his secretary/assistant John Kings came to Mumford to research Jesse Mumford and his ferry when he was writing "Texas". The spot on the Brazos where the ferry was in operation was owned by Frances Collier Foyt, Postmaster and the store owner until her death. They drove as far as they could, then hiked the riverbanks down to the crossing to see it up close. The iron bridge was built 6 miles south and is where State Highway 21 spans the river. The heirs of Frances Foyt closed the store two years ago, but Mumford Post Office is still an active part of the community. Hopefully one day the heirs will understand the importance of the store as a landmark and community icon and either lease it or sell it to someone who understands the need for it in this community. It is a shame to be wasted." - Sincerely, Patricia L. Kelley, Postmaster, Mumford, TX 77867, January 28, 2008

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