Alma
Alma, Ellis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Settlement of this area began as early as 1848. The town of Alma was established in 1871, when the Houston and Texas Central Railroad was built through Ellis County. C.C. Hemming deeded part of his property for the railroad right-of-way and a town to be named in honor of his daughter, Alma. Soon the town included numerous homes, businesses, churches, and civic organizations. It was the center of a farming community until the 1950s, when interstate highway 45 was built through the middle of town.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Settlers reached this stretch of Ellis County as early as 1848, but the town of Alma was truly born in 1871 when the Houston and Texas Central Railroad laid track through the county. Landowner C.C. Hemming gave part of his property for the right-of-way and named the new town for his daughter. A busy farming center for decades, Alma faded after the 1950s when Interstate 45 was cut straight through its heart.
Why it matters
Alma's arc — conjured by a railroad, then hollowed by a highway — captures how each new mode of American transportation both created and unmade the small towns strung along its path.
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Related people
- · C.C. Hemming
Themes & tags
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