In 1878, East Line & Red River Railroad extended to Winnsboro, TX from the water port at Jefferson, then to Greenville.  In 1902, Texas Southern Railroad, later Modesto & Empire Traction Company built from Winnsboro to Marshall.   Winnsboro became a shipping center for timber & agriculture commodities.  The original depot building was built in 1878 burned and was replaced by the present structure in 1908.  Kansas City Southern Railroad gave the Winnsboro Heritage Society a 99 year lease of the depot in 1985.

“Bucket Brigade” formed in 1882.  In 1913, after completion of a public water system the Winnsboro Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) was organized with two companies of 20 members.  Equipment consisted of two 500 foot hose reels and a fire bell at Main and Broadway that alerted members of a fire.  It was a beginning and soon the volunteers became efficient fire fighters, affectionately called “the fire boys”. In 1915, a Cole motor fire engine was acquired, and in 1925 a REO fire truck was added.  WVFD from 1924-1980 was located at the Main-Broadway City Hall.  Since 1980, the WVFD has been housed at the present city hall, 501 S. Main.  Thanks to these volunteer patriots there have been few fire related injuries and property loss over the last 100 years.  Members past and present of the WVFD are to be congratulated for the role they have played in the development of the history of Winnsboro.

Oil was discovered in 1943 and the town changed overnight. Hundreds arrived from oil patches throughout the United States. Oil supported the local economy for over 40 years and assured the future of Winnsboro. Although, Winnsboro is not wild today, it once was a “Texas Oil Boom Town. Dedicated to those who had a role in the development of oil in the area.

Winnsboro’s greatest tragedy.  City Marshall John Wofford and his brother Constable Amos Wofford were involved in a gunfight with two saloon keepers at this location, Elm and Bowery (Market St.) February 3, 1907. All four were killed in a heated exchange of gunfire.  Yesterday is only a memory, but pioneer lawmen should be remembered.  They left their monuments in deeds to future generations.

Constructed in 1933 from native Winnsboro rock by members of the American Legion.  Post 340 named for Carl Azbell, WWI veteran killed in the St. Mihiel sector of France 1918.   Winnsboro Texas Defense Guard, Boy Scout Troop 392 and Campfire Girls met here during WWII.  Served as an oilfield supply house and City of Winnsboro warehouse.   The historical structure was restored by Franklin National Bank in 1995.

In 1909, Winnsboro received a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Foundation for a library.  A two story Greek Revival edifice was constructed here with lower floor as an opera house and upper floor as the library.  Standard Club and the City provided financial support for the building. Elizabeth “Bunny” Bozeman pioneered a thirst for education as librarian from 1910-1951.   The Carnegie Library closed in 1967. Today the Gilbreath Memorial Library continues to carry on the tradition of providing knowledge and a love for books.

Notorious outlaws ravaged the southwest during the Depression years of 1932-33-34. They spent time around Winnsboro, but never committed any known crimes. An accomplice lived west of town who provided food, ammunition and a hideout. The criminal pair often visited local restaurants and dry goods stores, but never caused problems. After two or three days they would disappear, then return in several weeks, always on the run. Their last recorded Winnsboro visit was May 1934 to pick up guns and ammunition. Posse set trap, but the ambush failed. The outlaws escaped the net of the law to Louisiana. Bonnie and Clyde boasted that they would never be taken alive. They met their fate in a shoot-out near Gibsland, LA on May 23, 1934.

Opened in 1925 as Reid City Park.  Natatorium and tabernacle constructed in 1927.  July 4th Old Fiddlers Contest and Wood County Singing   Convention drew thousands each year.  Tabernacle served as Winnsboro’s first gymnasium. Local and state politicians from 1927-1960 appeared for political rallies.  Rodeo arena added in 1961.  By 1966 the aged natatorium closed and the tabernacle was replaced by the auditorium in 1967.   Jack Cross Agriculture pavilion became a part of the Winnsboro City Park in 1987.

Built by the Rosenwald Fund in 1927, the Dunbar School was the third black school in Winnsboro.   Serving the community’s educational needs until 1965 the school produced many outstanding alumni.   Teachers Fannie Mae Wright and Ernestine Starling influenced the lives of several generations of Dunbar and area students.

Organized in 1883 as a Methodist Episcopal Church with 12 members.  In 1895 land was acquired for the Colored Methodist Church in America built at this location in 1896.  Name changed to Hynson Chapel CME Church in honor of Reverend S.J. Hynson.  The 1896 sanctuary was replaced by a brick structure in 1957.  Church continues to serve the community’s spiritual needs to this day. Members have changed over the years, but their love and beliefs remain forever as a part of the church.

Nancy Evaline Cook 1825-1885 Husband James A. Cook 1815-1868 Nancy and James Cook came to Winnsborough in 1859, Nancy donated land to the East Line and Red River Railroad in 1878 guaranteeing the community’s future.  Churches and downtown businesses were also given free lots.  A First Baptist Church charter member, Nancy is remembered for her many philanthropic endeavors.

Three story red brick Gothic style building erected in 1905 as the Winnsboro Public School, with 4 classrooms and cloak rooms on the first and second floor.  The basement housed the restrooms.   In 1911, the school’s name changed to “North Ward”, and in 1952 Westbrook Memorial Elementary was constructed at this site.  Westbrook Elementary became the WISD Administration Building in 1984.   The wall surrounding the campus was erected from native sandstone by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1938-1939. Dedicated to the memory of teachers and students in their inquisitive quest for knowledge and understanding.

Constructed in 1939 as Winnsboro’s first gymnasium, by the Works Progress Administration (WPA). Home of the “Woodchuck” basketball team. Beginning in 1941, the school mascot changed to the “Red Raiders”. The gym was used for basketball, football field house, band hall, and auditorium from 1939-1975. For years the gym stood in silence. In 1989 Rock Gym Preservation Committee composed of Ted Beaty, Sue Hamm, Bill Jones, Clara Ziegler, and Superintendent Jerry Hardy advisory formed for the purpose of restoring, preserving, and passing on future generations this historical landmark. Each year ex-students gather the 4th Saturday of October for an all-school reunion. The historical gym is one of America’s premier examples of WPA Depression style construction.

The first post office was established March 5, 1855 at N. Main and Pine streets. In 1868 the post office was closed because of a decline in population, but was reestablished in 1874. The Post Office was moved from the old town south 300 yards with arrival of the East Line & Red River railroad in 1878. Rural Delivery (RFD) established in 1905 and City Delivery service began in 1949. Eight post office locations have served Winnsboro since 1855. The Postal Department created in 1775 continues to serve the nations postal needs in rain, shine, sleet, or snow...THE MAIL MUST GO THROUGH.

Three story red brick Gothic building erected in 1911 as Winnsboro’s first high school for grades 8-11. Campus served all outside events as a football field, dirt basketball court, track and tennis court. In 1926, the high school became South Ward, grades 6-8. Memorial School building constructed at this location in 1946, dedicated November 1, 1947 as Winnsboro Memorial School to the memory of those 35 former students who made the supreme sacrifice in World War II 1941-1945. Winnsboro Memorial School has produced outstanding students who have excelled in fields of education, sports, business and other professional endeavors. Now, the name Memorial Middle School continues to offer learning and understanding just as an edifice to education. This site has provided knowledge to Winnsboro students since 1911.

Winnsboro’s first newspaper. The Sentinel, established in 1878. The name changed to Messenger in 1889. Winnsboro Weekly News founded in 1908, was founded after the merger of the News and Messenger. The Weekly news acquired Winnsboro Wide-Awake in 1912, and assets of the Free Press in 1914. In 1943, Grayford ones purchased the newspaper from Homer and Mae Weir. Later the name was changed to The Winnsboro News. The Winnsboro News served the area for many years and is one of the best sources of journalistic news in the Winnsboro Area.

Chartered 1920. Post named in honor of Carl E. Azbell, killed in the San Michael sector of France, 1918. Post comprised of Veterans from all military branches of service. Auxillary composed of wives and widows of veterans and sons of the American Legion. Founded on the values, contributions, and sacrifices of those patriots who answered the nation's call to arms. Committed to serving God and country. In remembrance of those who have served and those gone before. Let us never forget their sacrifice. "ONCE A BUDDY, ALWAYS A BUDDY"

Built in 1937 by cotton ginner, John Cassel, who operated the Cassel Gin from 1927-1951. Cotton was king, the money crop.  The Cassel family occupied this traditional structure until 2005, then Clements Realtors acquired the property.   It now serves as a real estate office, and as an edifice to Winnsboro’s past and future. “Destroy monuments, destroy the past.  A way of life is gone."

The Bowery was a street of saloons and gambling houses during the timber era from 1890-1910.  Brawls and shoot-outs were common occurrences.   By 1910, all the saloons and gambling establishments were closed through local option elections.   All small towns have their stories.  Some are good, others are bad, but they do reflect the communities history.

Nomadic hunters wandered across East Texas 10,000 years ago preceding the late Caddo Occupation that began 700 - 800 A.D.  Stone artifacts such as projectile points and small tools are about all the evidence of their existence that remains.  Along Indian Creek was the home and burial grounds of Caddoan culture for centuries.  It was here that the peaceful Caddo Indians built homes, tilled the soil and raised families.   By 1852, the once powerful Caddo Confederacy had disappeared.  Their leaders had been killed and only a few hundred remained.  They were placed on a reservation and later relocated to the banks of the Washita River in Southern Oklahoma.

Black Civilian Conservation corps (CCC) Co. 2884 (C) Camp SCS-22T, Winnsboro, TX.  Camp consisted of 6 barracks, mess hall, bathhouse, rec-hall & headquarters, 250 enlisted men, 2 officers and 30 civilian personnel from 1935-1942. The CCC Camp was established in 1933 as a depression relief project.  They provided valuable services in salvaging forest and soil conservation methods. Winnsboro Black CCC Camp  continued operation until 1942, when manpower demands of WWII brought it to an end.

Winnsboro’s oldest bank organized in 1893, as the M & P Private Bank at the Southeast corner of Main and Elm, nationalized in 1901, as the First National Bank of Winnsboro.  Acquired assets of Farmers National Bank 1907, Exchange Bank 1914, Peoples State Bank & Trust 1914, Pickton State Bank 1926 and Winnsboro Bank & Trust 1997. In 1968, First National Bank moved to the present location at 315 N. Main Street.  First National Bank known as “Old Reliable” is the oldest financial institution chartered in Wood County.  The “Old Reliable” continues to serve the banking needs of the tri-county area.

Dedicated to the memory of Civil Rights activist, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and wife Coretta Scott King. This is the historical site of the Vannoy Shingle Mill in 1880, Carlock Crate Factory in 1890, Winnsboro Cotton Oil Mill from 1900-1920, Cotton Storage area from 1930-1947 & Farmers Market from 1973-1984.  Drainage ditch constructed by the W.P.A. in 1939. “History is about people & events who have disappeared in the midst of time."

Established in 1918 as the City of Winnsboro’s first public park, land bequeathed by the Luta Walker estate.  Walker Park served as the Winnsboro High School football field until 1939, baseball and softball field, and site for circus and carnival attractions. Home of the Winnsboro Oilers from 1946-1957.  Oilers were champions of the East Texas Amateur League 1947 - 1948 - 1949 - 1950 - 1954. 2000 or more fans often crowded the bleachers and side lines.  Several major league players performed at Walker Park. By 1988, Walker Park experienced neglect and decay.  Financial aid was provided by Team Air Worldwide for replacement of bleachers, fences, restrooms, snack bar and improvement of the playing area. Historical Walker Park reserved in 1918 for the benefit of Winnsboro continues to serve the recreational needs of this community.  Grateful citizens extend gratitude to Luta Walker and Team Air Worldwide for visions of Winnsboro’s future.

"Established in 1890, farmers arrived in town early morning Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, parking wagons up and down the alley street known as the Bowery where farm products were offered for sale. Bowery Street composed of barber shop, hardware, blacksmith, livery stable, wagon and harness shop and saloons.  Saloons were Massel, Harris, McElroy, Corley, Wright, Moore and Milam Saloon.  Locals referred to the street as the market street.  This is how Market Street received its name.  By 1910, saloons were closed, timber depleted, sawmills closed, only folklore tale of an exciting past.  Row crop farming became big business.  The Farmers Market relocated to Franklin St. (Smokey Row) in 1912.  Era of truck farmer ended in the 1950s and only memories remain."

Settled in 1854, as “Crossroads”  Wood County’s first business was located here.  The crossroads name was changed, with the establishment of the town’s first post office, to Winnsborough in 1855, in honor of the town’s founder, John Winn.   In 1878, the railroad was built through town.  At this point the area became an important shipping point for timber and farming products.  From 1878-1893 the town’s name was spelled “Winnsboro” or “Winnsborough.”  In 1893 the name was formally changed to “Winnsboro”. Winnsboro became incorporated in 1901.  Cotton supported the economy from the 1880s to 1950s.   In 1942, oil discovery revived the economic system.  Winnsboro serves the Tri-County area as an agriculture, oil, tourist and medical center.

Named for John Winn, Wood County’s First Business, “Cheap Cash Store” established here in 1854, at a crossroads of the Jefferson and Belzora Highways.   In 1878, businesses moved 300 yards South to be near the railroad.   By 1880, all crossroads stores had closed.  Early economy timber and row crop farming were prominent.

Established 1937 by Will Rushing and Ralph Robinson as one of the early sale barns in East Texas.  Gard Jones and Tunis Coats operated the Livestock Commission Co. from 1938-1947.   J.D. Jones and Penn Gorman, Jr. were owners from 1947-1978, and they relocated the business in 1955.   Sale each Friday created a local market for farm animals, brought buyers to bid on cattle, horses, sheep, goats, hogs, and other livestock for sale.   Farm animals were auctioned off by an auctioneer to the highest bidder.  Seller had the option to refuse bids.  Fees were charged for all sales.   Yesterday’s cow traders are only a memory, but these days should be remembered.

Established in 1856 as “Lee Graveyard”, one acre of the 320 acre Lee family farm, was reserved for burials.  A pavilion was added in 1918.  Used for funerals, weddings, reunions, meeting house, dinner on the grounds and work days.  Each year in July at the historic pavilion, descendants gather to pay homage to deceased ancestors, friends and loved ones. Expanded through the years, Lee Cemetery is a reminder of early settlers in the area.  Features, include decorative fencing, ornate stone carvings, curbed plots, obelisks and woodmen of the world monuments. Lee Cemetery represents people of all ages, the first pioneer settlers who came to the new country in the 1840s and 1850s.  Veterans from all U.S. wars, those who served this community, county, state and nation.  Farmers, cattlemen, lumbermen, shopkeepers, oil field workers, doctors, lawyers, educators, housewives, journalists, children and all others.

Constructed by Winnsboro merchant and civic leader, R.E. Skeen, proprietor of a drug, jewelry, general merchandise, and bank business.   When constructed, Skeen incorporated the two story structure at the rear, built by his brother, Dr. Titus Skeen in 1890 as a medical clinic and pharmacy. Skeen Building housed a general merchandise and clothing business from 1901-1984.  The Skeen Building also served as a drug store and pharmacy. 2013 - Peter and Janice Schma acquired the Skeen Building, and restored the structure to its original stature.

Livestock was introduced to East Texas by Spaniards in 1690. The cattle industry experienced rapid growth with the arrival of the railroad in 1878. Markets were established at Ft. Worth, Shreveport, and New Orleans. Kraft Cheese Co. located in Winnsboro in 1930, and opened a large operation in 1935, spurring a tri-county dairy business. By 1950, dairy and stocker cattle had replaced cotton as the money crop. In 1991, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. merged with Dairy Farmers of America and established a milk processing plant. Winnsboro Livestock Commission Owners 1938 Established by Ralph Robinson and Will Rushing on FM 852 W 1939 - 1947 Gard Jones and Tunis Coats 1947 - 1978 J.D. Jones and Penn Gorman Jr. 1952 Present livestock barn built 1978 - 1981 J.D. Jones and Ned Parrish 1981 - 2005 R.C. (Shorty) and Randy Mitchell Winnsboro Livestock Commission continues in rich tradition of serving buyers and sellers today.

Land for a park was given to the City of Winnsboro by the Stevenson estate in 1929. American Legion Post 340 sponsored development of Memorial Park in 1972, joined by the city, veterans of foreign wars and private citizens. Dedicated to the memory of the men and women who served the armed forces of the United States in the time of war and peace. Your sacrifice will always be remembered.