Historical Marker
Site of the Town of Swartwout
Goodrich, Polk County · Texas
Erected 1936
Swartwout was laid out in 1838 on the east bank of the Trinity, and Sam Houston was one of its early shareholders, the Handbook of Texas says. The town had a ferry and landing, a hotel and warehouses for cotton and corn awaiting river shipment. It lost its 1846 bid to be seat of the new Polk County, and its post office ran from 1846 to 1875. Black families kept a rural community there for several years after most original settlers left. The 1936 marker was moved from land flooded by Livingston Reservoir.
What the plaque says
Site of the Town of Swartwout 86 blocks and 2 public squares were laid out here in 1838 with James Morgan, Arthur Garner and Thomas Bradley as proprietors. Named in honor of Samuel Swartwout (1783-1856), New York speculator and politician who advanced funds in 1836 to the Texas government. Important steamboat landing before the Civil War. Ferry crossing until 1930. Erected by the State of Texas 1936
Where it stands
30.63873, -95.00466 · Directions
More markers nearby
- Early Roads in Polk County — 0.3 mi
- Lt. Col. James M. Parker Jr. — 3.6 mi
- Site of Council Hill — 5.5 mi
- Capt. Hardy B. Purvis — 5.6 mi