Details for Willis
Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5339007908
Data
| Marker Number | 7908 |
| Atlas Number | 5339007908 |
| Marker Title | Willis |
| Index Entry | Willis |
| Address | SH 75 and FM 2432 |
| City | Willis |
| County | Montgomery |
| UTM Zone | 15 |
| UTM Easting | 261980 |
| UTM Northing | 3367886 |
| Subject Codes | cities and towns; land surveys, land companies, promotional towns |
| Marker Year | 1970 |
| Recorded Texas Historic Landmark | No |
| Marker Location | |
| Private Property | No |
| Marker Condition | In Situ |
| Marker Size | 18" x 28" |
| Marker Text | Founded in 1870. Named for P. J. and R. S. Willis (large land and timber owners who formerly were merchants in area). They gave townsite, on the Houston & Great Northern Railroad. With the line came prosperity, and in 1874 Willis and Montgomery vied for county seat, but both eventually lost to Conroe. Willis boasted a college, opera house, numerous stores; and by 1895 had vast tobacco fields supporting 7 cigar factories. This industry faded when tariff on Cuban tobacco was lifted. Present industries are timber and livestock. |