Powderly, TX RoadyGoat

Powderly, Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the Civil War era when it was first settled and known as 'Lenoir'. The town's name was changed to honor Terence V. Powderly, a labor leader and commissioner of immigration, when the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway was built through the area in the 1880s. Over the years, Powderly has seen its share of ups and downs. In 1890, it was a small town with a general store, cotton gins, and a gristmill, but by the 1920s, the community had declined. However, the population began to increase again in the mid-20th century, and in 1964, the Powderly Volunteer Fire Department was established, which continues to serve the community today. In 2022, Powderly was hit by a violent EF4 tornado, a tragic event in its recent history.

RoadyGoat → · 13.8 mi away

Powderly, TX RoadyGoat

The geography of Powderly, Texas, has played a significant role in shaping the community. Located on a low ridge, the town drains west to Pat Mayse Lake and east to Pine Creek, a tributary of the Red River. This positioning has influenced the development of the area, with the waterways providing resources for the community. The presence of water has also contributed to the recreational opportunities available in the region, with Pat Mayse Lake offering activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and camping. The lake's construction even led to parts of the northern edge of the Camp Maxey base being inundated, further demonstrating the impact of the local geography on the area's history and development.

RoadyGoat → · 13.8 mi away

Site of First Anglo-American Settlement in Lamar County

1820

Legend tells of French and Spanish forts before the families of J. W. G. Pierson, Luke and John Roberts, and the Mason brothers settled here in 1820. Within a year, in the absence of the men, women, children and slaves were victims of an Indian raid. Five of the men pursued, but outnumbered, they too were killed. Be silent, friend! Here heroes died to blaze a trail for other men. Erected by the State of Texas 1936

Historical Marker → · 15.8 mi away

Camp Maxey

1940

Recognizing in 1940 that hosting peacetime draftees might revive the county's economy, the city of Paris sent a request for the army to build a training camp here. The local American Legion acquired land options. Delegations from the Chamber of Commerce of Lamar County received initial support, but Congressman Lyndon Johnson moved the planned camp to his district at Bastrop. In response U. S. Senator Tom Connally and army officials ensured a camp for Paris, confirmed in July 1941. The 70,000 acre site was being surveyed when the U. S. entered World War II in December. Camp Maxey, named for C. S. A. General and U. S. Senator Sam Bell Maxey from paris, was activated on July 15, 1942. Its main entrance was "Gate 5" marked by stone portals at this site. Two infantry divisions, the 102nd "Ozark" and 99th "Checkerboard," trained here with the 250th Field Artillery and other army units. A regional hospital and a prisoner of war camp hosting 7,000 Germans were part of the reservation. Local women formed the "Maxey Command" to host dances for the total of 194,800 soldiers stationed here. Area residents housed thousands of dependents and filled 10,300 civilian jobs on base. The camp was closed when the P. O. W. stockade was vacated in early 1946.

Historical Marker → · 15.9 mi away

Hugo, Oklahoma

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Powderly, TX RoadyGoat

Powderly, TX RoadyGoat

Site of First Anglo-American Settlement in Lamar County

Camp Maxey

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