“What’s in a name?” you might ask, but the story of Wharton, Texas is deeply intertwined with its namesakes. Wharton is a city named for brothers John and William Wharton. They were leaders in the fight for Texas independence.
Wharton’s story begins around 1838. The Republic of Texas established the Caney Run mail route right through here. However, it wasn’t until 1846 that the area started to develop. Some of Stephen F. Austin’s original colonists settled here.
The very next year a post office was established. Wharton was becoming a town. Albert Horton, the first lieutenant governor of Texas, was an early settler. William Kincheloe donated land for the courthouse square.
Now, picture Wharton in the mid-1800s. It was primarily an agricultural community. Planters relied on enslaved African Americans for labor. They cultivated crops like potatoes, cotton, corn, rice, and sugarcane. Businesses included cattle, molasses, and sugar production.
Interestingly, Wharton attracted European Jewish immigrants from Germany. They arrived as early as the 1850s. They established businesses and the Congregation Shearith Israel. It became the only synagogue in a three-county area.
After the Civil War, Wharton saw even more diversity. Swiss, German, Mexican, and Czech immigrants arrived. Descendants of plantation slaves also contributed to the growing population.
By the early 1880s, Wharton’s population reached about 200. Then came the railroads. In 1881, the New York, Texas and Mexican Railway arrived. In 1899, the Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe followed. These railroads brought more settlers and stimulated business. The population jumped to 1,689 in 1900 and 2,346 in 1920. The first opera house opened in 1888. Wharton was on the rise.
In 1902, Wharton incorporated as a city. Disaster struck. A major fire destroyed many wooden buildings. The city then mandated brick construction with fire walls. They also constructed a water system with fire hydrants.
The New Century Club established a free library in 1902. The city adopted it in 1904. The first public park was dedicated in 1913. The Wharton Chamber of Commerce organized in 1919.
Even the Great Depression couldn’t stop Wharton’s growth. The population nearly doubled during the 1930s. Wharton Little Theatre was organized in 1932. Wharton County Junior College was established in 1946.
By the 1980s, Wharton boasted diverse industries. These included Health-focus, M. I. Drilling Fluids, and Formosa Plastics Group. The economy also depended on county government.
Horton Foote, an Academy Award-winning screenwriter, returned to Wharton. The Wharton County Historical Museum showcases exhibits on notable residents. These include Dan Rather and Roy Benavidez.
Today, Wharton stands as a testament to its rich history. From its agricultural roots to its diverse industries, Wharton has always adapted and thrived. As you explore Wharton, remember the stories of those who shaped this city. Their vision and resilience continue to inspire.