Site of the Town of Swartwout
Goodrich, Polk County, Texas
Marker Inscription
86 blocks and 2 public squares were laid out here in 1838 with James Morgan, Arthur Garner and Thomas Bradley as proprietors. Named in honor of Samuel Swartwout (1783-1856), New York speculator and politician who advanced funds in 1836 to the Texas government. Important steamboat landing before the Civil War. Ferry crossing until 1930. Erected by the State of Texas 1936
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Laid out in 1838 with 86 blocks and two public squares, the town of Swartwout was platted along the Trinity River during the days of the Republic of Texas. It honored Samuel Swartwout, a New York speculator and politician who had advanced funds to the Texas government in 1836. A busy steamboat landing before the Civil War, the site kept a ferry crossing running until 1930 before fading away entirely.
Why it matters
Swartwout's rise and disappearance trace the river-commerce economy of early Texas, when steamboat landings—not railroads—determined which towns would live or vanish.
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Related people
- · Samuel Swartwout
- · James Morgan
Themes & tags
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