Chalybeate Springs
Hughes Springs, Cass County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Pronounced "KA LIB E ATE) Discovered in 1839 by brothers Reece and Robert Hughes (from Alabama) while looking for pirate gold. springs derive name from iron salts in water. In 1847 Reece Hughes (1811-1893), wealthy planter who later built iron foundry, started the first town of Hughes Springs here.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1839 brothers Reece and Robert Hughes, hunting for rumored pirate gold, instead found mineral springs whose iron salts gave them the name 'chalybeate.' Reece Hughes, a planter who later built an iron foundry, started the first town of Hughes Springs at the site in 1847. The springs and the early iron works anchored settlement in this corner of East Texas.
Why it matters
It records how mineral springs and early ironworking drew settlers and industry into the pineywoods of the young Republic and state of Texas.
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Related people
- · Reece Hughes
- · Robert Hughes
Themes & tags
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