Industry, Texas, Austin County. (original) (raw)
Industry former post office -
"First Post Office west of Galveston, built 1838"
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, July 2011
History in a Pecan Shell
Industry is always mentioned in any history relating to the settlement of Germans in Texas. Johann Frederich Ernst came to the area via New York and Missouri. Ernst received a grant of land directly from the Mexican government in 1831. After independence from Mexico, the fledgling Republic of Texas granted a post office to the town that had grown from "Ernst's Place" to Industry.
The name it is said, was given to the residents for their hard-working attitude by their Anglo neighbors.
Tobacco was a major crop at first and Industry as well as New Ulm manufactured cigars. Cotton became the dominant crop before the Civil War and continued after.
The population started decreasing from the time of the Depression through the 1960s. Ranching gradually replaced farming and today about the only cotton seen is in the tops of aspirin bottles.
1936 Texas Centennial Marker:
Industry
Site of the first permanent German settlement in Texas, 1831. Founded by Friedrich Ernst, born at Varel, Oldenburg, Germany. Immigrated to America, 1829 and to Texas in 1831. Died here in 1858. The town was laid out in 1838.
Industry, Texas Landmarks & Attractions
True to its name, Industry today continues to be a vibrant community although there are many larger towns nearby. A car dealership, lumberyard, concrete company and bank all do business here and recently Industry has acquired a library.
The Lindemann store continues to operate at the intersection of FM 109 and Highway 159. This family business has been in Industry for generations and there are several older buildings in town that are former Lindemann groceries. - one just finishing a remodeling.
Industry Immaculate Conception Church
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, July 2011
Industry Brethren Church
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, February 2009
Cherry Chapel United Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, February 2009
Industry United Methodist Church
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, July 2011
Industry United Methodist Church
1914 Main Street - Industry, TX 78944
(979) 357-2136
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, July 2011
Industry United Methodist Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Built in 1867
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the historic church building
on November 12, 2017
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, July 2011
Industry Post Office Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, July 2011
The Welcome Singing Hall
Industry also has The West End Historical Society. They maintain several historic structures, including the old Singing Hall that was moved from Welcome and the old office of Dr. Knolle. The Hall can be rented out for occasions.
The Welcome Singing Society's Building in Industry
Courtesy Bellville Public Library
L- The former Welcome Singing Hall now just N of Industry
R - The Hall decorated for a Wedding
TE photo, May 2001
Friedrich Ernst historical marker
FM 109, Ernst Memorial Park, Industry
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, July 2011
Historical Marker:
Friedrich Ernst
Christian Friedrich Ernst (Dirks) was born in Germany in 1796. Friedrich Ernst was inducted into the German army in 1814 and served for five years. He married Louise Gesine Auguste Weber in 1819. They became the parents of Caroline, John Friedrich, Ludwig, Wilhelmine, and Hermann Ernst.
In 1829 the family sailed to the United States and settled in New York. In 1831 they came to Texas as part of Stephen F. Austin's second colony and are thought to be the first German family in Texas. Ernst received a land grant of 4,428 acres of land on Mill Creek in present day Industry where he grew produce and tobacco and was the first recorded European to manufacture cigars in Texas.
Ernst became active in civic affairs in the area, serving as a Justice of the Peace and as a member of the commissioners court. He supported the establishment of Hermann's University and served on its first board of trustees. Ernst, who wrote a series of letters to German officials to encourage their citizens to move to America, was called the Father of German Immigration to Texas. Ernst died in 1848 and is remembered through this park located on land he once owned and a scholarship in his name.
(1996)
John Friedrich Ernst, Jr historical marker
Ernst Memorial Park, Industry on FM 109
Photo courtesy Gerald Massey, July 2011
More Texas People
Historical Marker:
John Friedrich Ernst, Jr.
A native of Oldenburg, Germany, John Friedrich Ernst (1820-1863) emigrated to the United States with his family at the age of nine. In 1831, they traveled from New York City to Texas, finally arriving in what is now the town of Industry. The Ernsts were one of the first families to settle in what became a center of German culture in Texas.
Ernst's life spanned the period of Texas history from the days of Mexican occupation to the Civil War. His family fled their home with others during the Runaway Scrape, as Santa Anna's army began its march across Texas in 1836. Shortly after the Texian victory at San Jacinto, Ernst joined the Texas Rangers and was given land in Comal County for his service. He participated in other local militia organizations during the days of the Republic and served as a Justice of the Peace in Round Top (15 mi. NW). Ernst was married to Maria Ann (Krumm) Brey in 1845.
In 1861, John Friedrich Ernst joined the Confederate Light Artillery company recruited for Civil War duty from Fayette County. He died two years later in Waco, after serving twice as the company's commanding officer.
(1985)
The mule
TE Photo, May 2010
Our favorite Industry attraction
TE Photo, May 2010
More Texas Animals
Kyle King, is a resident of Industry (Industrialist?) who rides bulls in rodeos around the state. When he's not riding bulls, he rides his horse "Red". He is seen here preparing to go to a rodeo in Odessa.
Kyle King,
Bull rider
TE photos, 2001
Kyle King and Red
TE photos, 2001
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