Hubbard
Hubbard, Hill County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded 1881, as a shipping center and supply point on the St. Louis and Southwestern Railway. Named for Richard B. Hubbard (1832-1901), colonel in the 22nd Texas Infantry during the Civil War; Texas Governor 1876-1879; United States Minister to Japan 1885-1889. Banking and market town. Has mineral waters.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Hubbard was founded in 1881 as a shipping center and supply point on the St. Louis and Southwestern Railway. It took its name from Richard B. Hubbard, a Civil War colonel of the 22nd Texas Infantry who became governor of Texas and later U.S. minister to Japan. A banking and market town, it was also known for its mineral waters.
Why it matters
Towns like Hubbard sprang up wherever the railroad laid track, showing how rail lines dictated the map of settlement and commerce across late-19th-century Texas.
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Related people
- ยท Richard B. Hubbard
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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