The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 19, July 1915 - April, 1916 Page: 53
452 p. : maps ; 23 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
Harris County, 1892-1845
September 1, 1844, to August 31, 1845, shows 11,359 bales, and
an estimate was made in November, 1845, that at least 16,000
bales would be shipped that season.'" Contrast these figures with
the report from the State Department of Agriculture, furnished
by the secretary of the cotton exchange at Houston for the cotton
year 1912-1913, which shows shipments of 3,324,553 bales; then
compare the first cotton contract entered into at Harrisburg in
1829,* with the shipments of Weld and Neville, from identically
the same spot, during the period June 1, 1912, to June 30, 1913,
of 211,195 bales. One sees here a fulfillment of the aspirations
of those early settlers who strove to establish on the banks of
Buffalo Bayou one of the great cotton markets of the world. But,
with the realization of this early dream of mercantile power, the
second and third generations have taken the place of the first, the
nineteenth century superseded the twentieth; to look through the
long vista, of thronging, eventful years, and see Harris County as
it was then, presupposes a mass of historic knowledge and many a
treasured tale of traditional lore.
Following the newspaper records we see that previous to the
month of November, 1845, a few large brick buildings had been
erected, and some brick sidewalks built in the business part of the
city of Houston, a daguerrean gallery had been opened by H. R.
Allen on the east side of Main Street near the wharf. These
items illustrate the small limits of the town, whose chief activities
were near the boat landing.
From travelers notes, and from newspaper jottings, we learn
that, the only trade, except cotton, showing much life from 1842
until annexation, was that of politics. Public interest in the
affairs of the United States was centered exclusively upon the all
absorbing topic of "annexation." The ultimate fate of Texas,
whether she would be admitted as one of the United States, or
continue her independence under the protectorate of England,
or of England and France combined, was an all absorbing sub-
ject. The recent publication of "Correspondence from the British
Archives Concerning Texas" in THE QUARTERLY, throws a strong
light upon this period. Under the conditions thereby portrayed,
"See Telegraph and Texas Register, October 8, and November 5, 1845.
*THE QUARTERLY, XVIII, 201.
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Texas State Historical Association. The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 19, July 1915 - April, 1916, periodical, 1916; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth101067/m1/62/: accessed April 26, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.