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Industry former
post office -
"First Post Office west of Galveston,
built 1838"
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011 |
History in
a Pecan Shell
Industry
is always mentioned in any history relating to the settlement of Germans
in Texas. Johann Frederich Ernst came to the area via New York and
Missouri. Ernst received a grant of land directly from the Mexican
government in 1831. After independence from Mexico, the fledgling
Republic of Texas granted a post office to the town that had grown
from "Ernst's Place" to Industry.
The name it is said, was given to the residents for their hard-working
attitude by their Anglo neighbors.
Tobacco was a major crop at first and Industry as well as New
Ulm manufactured cigars. Cotton
became the dominant crop before the Civil War and continued after.
The population started decreasing from the time of the Depression
through the 1960s. Ranching
gradually replaced farming and today about the only cotton seen is
in the tops of aspirin bottles. |
1936
Texas Centennial Marker:
Industry
Site
of the first permanent German settlement in Texas, 1831. Founded by
Friedrich Ernst, born at Varel,
Oldenburg, Germany. Immigrated to America, 1829 and to Texas in 1831.
Died here in 1858. The town was laid out in 1838. |
Industry, Texas
Landmarks & Attractions
|
True to its name, Industry today continues to be a
vibrant community although there are many larger towns nearby. A car
dealership, lumberyard, concrete company and bank all do business
here and recently Industry has acquired a library.
The Lindemann store continues to operate at the intersection of FM
109 and Highway 159. This family business has been in Industry for
generations and there are several older buildings in town that are
former Lindemann groceries. - one just finishing a remodeling. |
|
Industry
Immaculate Conception Church
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011
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Industry
Brethren Church
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, February 2009
|
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Cherry
Chapel United Methodist Church
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, February 2009
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Industry
United Methodist Church
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011
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Industry
United Methodist Church
1914 Main Street - Industry, TX 78944
(979) 357-2136
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011
|
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Industry United
Methodist Church
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Built in 1867
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the historic church building
on November 12, 2017
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011
|
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Industry
Post Office Historical Marker
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011
|
|
Industry also has The West End Historical Society.
They maintain several historic structures, including the old Singing
Hall that was moved from Welcome
and the old office of Dr. Knolle. The Hall can be rented out for occasions.
|
The Welcome Singing
Society's Building in Industry
Courtesy Bellville Public Library |
L-
The former Welcome Singing Hall now just N of Industry
R - The Hall decorated for a Wedding
TE photo, May 2001 |
|
Friedrich
Ernst historical marker
FM 109, Ernst Memorial Park, Industry
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011
|
Historical
Marker:
Friedrich
Ernst
Christian
Friedrich Ernst (Dirks) was born in Germany in 1796. Friedrich Ernst
was inducted into the German army in 1814 and served for five years.
He married Louise Gesine Auguste Weber in 1819. They became the parents
of Caroline, John Friedrich, Ludwig, Wilhelmine, and Hermann Ernst.
In 1829 the family sailed to the United States and settled in New
York. In 1831 they came to Texas as part of Stephen F. Austin's second
colony and are thought to be the first German family in Texas.
Ernst received a land grant of 4,428 acres of land on Mill Creek in
present day Industry where he grew produce and tobacco and was the
first recorded European to manufacture cigars in Texas.
Ernst became active in civic affairs in the area, serving as a Justice
of the Peace and as a member of the commissioners court. He supported
the establishment of Hermann's University and served on its first
board of trustees. Ernst, who wrote a series of letters to German
officials to encourage their citizens to move to America, was called
the Father of German Immigration to Texas. Ernst died in 1848
and is remembered through this park located on land he once owned
and a scholarship in his name.
(1996) |
 |
|
John
Friedrich Ernst, Jr historical marker
Ernst Memorial Park, Industry on FM 109
Photo
courtesy Gerald
Massey, July 2011
More Texas
People
|
Historical
Marker:
John
Friedrich Ernst, Jr.
A
native of Oldenburg, Germany, John Friedrich Ernst (1820-1863) emigrated
to the United States with his family at the age of nine. In 1831,
they traveled from New York City to Texas, finally arriving in what
is now the town of Industry. The Ernsts were one of the first families
to settle in what became a center of German culture in Texas.
Ernst's life spanned the period of Texas history from the days of
Mexican occupation to the Civil War. His family fled their home with
others during the Runaway
Scrape, as Santa Anna's army began its march across Texas in 1836.
Shortly after the Texian victory at San
Jacinto, Ernst joined the Texas Rangers and was given land in
Comal County for
his service. He participated in other local militia organizations
during the days of the Republic and served as a Justice of the Peace
in Round
Top (15 mi. NW). Ernst was married to Maria Ann (Krumm) Brey in
1845.
In 1861, John Friedrich Ernst joined the Confederate Light Artillery
company recruited for Civil War duty from Fayette
County. He died two years later in Waco,
after serving twice as the company's commanding officer.
(1985) |
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The
mule
TE Photo, May 2010
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Our
favorite Industry attraction
TE Photo,
May 2010
More Texas
Animals
|
 |
 |
Left
- Splitting a bale in Industry
Right - A Fire Engine that may or may not have belonged to the town
TE photos, 2001 |
| Kyle
King, is a resident of Industry (Industrialist?) who rides bulls in
rodeos around the state. When he's not riding bulls, he rides his
horse "Red". He is seen here preparing to go to a rodeo in Odessa.
|
Kyle
King,
Bull rider
TE photos, 2001 |
Kyle
King and Red
TE photos, 2001 |
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact
us. |
|
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