Site of Former Town of Danville
Willis, Montgomery County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Founded before 1840 as trade center, rich plantation area. Many prominent families had Texas beginnings here. At peak, town had 15 businesses, several churches, good schools; refusing right-of-way to Houston & Great Northern Railway in 1870s, lost its people and commerce to new town of Willis, on the railroad. Sheperd Hill Cemetery (at this site) is all that remains of the once-thriving town. Claim to enduring fame lies in memory of Jonathan Lindley, a Danville man who lost his life defending cause of Texas at the Alamo, March 6, 1836.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Founded before 1840 in a rich plantation district, Danville grew into a thriving trade center with fifteen businesses, churches, and good schools. When its leaders refused right-of-way to the Houston & Great Northern Railway in the 1870s, commerce fled to the new railroad town of Willis, and Danville faded until only Sheperd Hill Cemetery remained. Among its people was Jonathan Lindley, who died defending the Alamo in March 1836.
Why it matters
Danville is a classic American ghost town — a prosperous community that vanished when it turned its back on the railroad — with a poignant tie to the Alamo through one of its own.
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Related people
- · Jonathan Lindley
Related events
- · Battle of the Alamo
Themes & tags
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