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History in
a Pecan Shell
Cleveland dates back to 1836 when the state started giving land
grants in exchange for service in the army. This arrangement brought
in many new residents, but no community formed. In the 1850s, Father
Peter La Cour built the area’s first church.
Finally, in 1878, upon the arrival of the Houston, East and West
Texas Railway, Charles Lander Cleveland donated land to establish
a depot. Cleveland asked for the town to be named in his honor,
which was soon done.
In 1900, a
second railroad appeared (the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe) and although
both have undergone changes in name, they both meet at Cleveland.
Cleveland continues to produce timber and lumber – just as it has
since the late 19th century. The economy is also supplemented by
oil, gas and cattle raising.
In the mid 1960s, Cleveland started to be included as part of Greater
Houston. From a population of just 1,200 in 1930, Cleveland rose
to 5,977 for the 1980 census, increasing to the present (2000) 7,605.
Photographer's Note:
CLEVELAND was once a sawmill town with several along side old highway
59 and now is more of a commercial center. - Ken
Rudine, August 2007
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