In 1841; the Republic of Texas was on the brink of bankruptcy; and it needed to attract new immigrants in order to survive. With this important goal in mind; in 1844 the Texas congress authorized the republics president; Sam Houston; to contract with individuals to colonize the state. In September of that same year; one group headed by Capt. Roderick Rawlins from Illinois came to Texas and settled in what would become the town of Lancaster. Farmers grew grains and cotton; and Lancaster became a trade center with a lively town square. A commercial club organized in order to coordinate advertising for local businesses; and it also held trade days that later became town fairs. Local residents worked hard all week and enjoyed horse races; baseball; "forty-two" parties; music performances; and other entertainment on the weekends. By the late 1800s; Lancaster was connected to the rest of the state by the railroads; but the town still retained its independent; small-town Texas character.
#1906174 in eBooks 2011-05-09 2011-05-09File Name: B0093P56V6
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Looking Back!By Ann StearnsI thought the author really captured the essence of this lovely town. For me this was a chance to look back on my past. I graduated from the local high school 59 years ago.Surprised to note I recognized many of the contributors to the book all these years later.Ann Granger Stearns
