Original Plant of Acme Brick Company
Millsap, Parker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(4.3 miles northwest) First manufacturer in Texas to make high grade pressed brick. Founded 1891 by industrial pioneer George Bennett (1852-1907), developer of coal mining and other natural resources. Located here because of large deposits of shale near Brazos River. Bennett community grew up around plant, with dormitory and store. The kilns were fired with local fuel; coal, then wood. Brick were shipped out by mule-drawn wagons or nearby Texas & Pacific Railroad. Before 75th anniversary in 1966, Acme became the largest maker of face brick in the United States. (1966)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded in 1891 by industrial pioneer George Bennett near shale deposits along the Brazos River, this was the first Texas plant to make high-grade pressed brick. A company community with dormitory and store grew around the kilns, and the enterprise eventually became the largest maker of face brick in the United States.
Why it matters
Acme Brick helped build the walls of a rapidly urbanizing Texas, a prime example of how local natural resources fueled American industrial growth.
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Related people
- · George Bennett
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
First Plant of Acme Brick Co.
Millsap, TX
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.
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