Carlson
Manor, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Brothers Pete and John Carlson, Swedish immigrants who came to America in 1869, settled in this area in 1881. Pete opened Carlson Store, the first store in the community, and John operated the local cotton gin. The town's economy was based on cotton farming. At its height in the early 20th century, Carlson included family farms, the cotton gin (known as Larson Gin after Henry Larson bought it), the Carlson Store (later called the Nelson Store after it was purchased by J. B. Nelson), a school, a community band hall, and a community club. (1991)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Brothers Pete and John Carlson, Swedish immigrants who came to America in 1869, settled here in 1881 and helped found a small cotton-farming community. Pete opened the area's first store and John ran the cotton gin, and at its height in the early 20th century Carlson supported family farms, a school, a band hall, and a community club. As ownership changed hands the gin and store took new names, but the town's life turned on cotton.
Why it matters
Carlson is a portrait of the immigrant-built cotton hamlets that once dotted central Texas, communities whose whole rhythm followed a single crop.
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Related people
- · Pete Carlson
- · John Carlson
Themes & tags
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