Southland Paper Mills, Inc.

The idea came from a Georgia chemist. Charles Herty had developed a southern pine newsprint formula in 1933, and Ernest Kurth met him at a Beaumont Chamber of Commerce meeting in March 1936. Kurth turned the first shovel of dirt in January 1939, the same year the legislature created a state forest products laboratory. Lufkin accounts give January 17, 1940 as the day paper first came off the machine, though some newsprint may have been made in December 1939. Roll No. 1 weighed 1,445 pounds and was trucked to the Lufkin Daily News.

What the plaque says

Southland Paper Mills, Inc. First plant to turn southern pines into newsprint. Mill here revolutionized paper industry in the southern United States. Seeking local paper rather than foreign supplies, Southland was incorporated in 1938 and began operations, 1940. Its mills made possible use of southern pine (earlier rejected for newsprint because of its high resin content). In 1942, additional facilities were built to supply bleached pulp. Success of this pioneer complex gave Texas an avenue for aiding world in supply of vital paper. (1968)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

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• Angelina & Neches River Railroad — 2.2 mi
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