First Plant of Acme Brick Co.
Millsap, Parker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
One of earliest North Texas brick factories. Built in 1891 by George Bennett. Plant site located here because of large deposits of quality shale near Brazos River. Kilns were fired with locally mined coal; later with wood; then gas. Plant used mule-drawn wagons for short deliveries; the nearby T. & P. Railway for statewide sales. By 1966, its 75th anniversary, Acme is the largest maker of face brick in the United States. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1891 by George Bennett beside rich shale deposits near the Brazos River, this was one of the earliest brick factories in North Texas. Its kilns burned locally mined coal, then wood, then gas, and mule-drawn wagons and the Texas & Pacific Railway carried its brick to market. By its 75th anniversary in 1966, Acme Brick had grown into the largest maker of face brick in the United States.
Why it matters
It marks the humble frontier origin of a company that became a national leader in American brickmaking.
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Related people
- ยท George Bennett
Themes & tags
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