Townsite of Coldspring

Local tradition credits Joseph Graves with naming Coldspring for its cold spring water, the Handbook of Texas says. Its first bank opened in 1907, when it had between 400 and 500 residents. A Civilian Conservation Corps camp for Black youths operated at Coldspring from the early 1930s to 1937, and a Gulf States Utilities power line from Shepherd arrived in 1936. Oil was found southeast of town in 1945. After Livingston Dam was finished in 1968, residents voted 114 to 10 in 1969 to incorporate.

What the plaque says

Townsite of Coldspring Before founding of town, this land lay in Mexican grant made to Col. Robt. Rankin, veteran of American Revolution. Post office here bore name "Coonskin" (1847), then "Fireman's Hill," and finally "Cold Springs" (1850). Spelling later became "Coldspring." Original town plat contained 14 blocks. First courthouse, of wood, burned 1915. Present stone building replaced it in 1918. By 1923 most of town had moved up the hill to present site. Early schools included an 1847 academy, the 1880 "Male and Female Institute," and Mrs. India Grace's private school of 1880s. (1970)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Governor George Tyler Wood — steps away
• First Baptist Church of Coldspring — steps away
• San Jacinto County Jail — 0.3 mi
• General James Davis — 0.4 mi