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.

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