One historian described Luling in the 1870s as �the toughest town in Texas.� Along with the railroad came notorious gamblers who were ready to take a man�s hard-earned money any way they could. But when settlers enforced what laws there were and established permanent homes; churches; and a school; the rougher crowd sought greener pastures. In the southern corner of Caldwell County; Luling had at first an agrarian-based economy; but that changed with the discovery of oil; which boosted the population from a few hundred residents to several thousand. The oil industry and related businesses kept the population steady. Luling soil also proved beneficial to crops such as cotton; but the area�s prize crop became watermelons. Today oil and watermelons keep Luling on the map; and the annual Watermelon Thump attracts thousands. At the crossroads of three important highways; businesses flourish; especially barbecue; which is considered by some to be the best in the state.
#2654875 in eBooks 2009-07-27 2009-07-27File Name: B0099IRS8G
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good source for family historyBy MaryPI bought this book because I am working on a family history and remember visiting relatives in Port Washington as a child. Although I did not find any direct information on my relatives. it gave me a sense of what life was like.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A peoples historyBy Julie S. DiamondHow great if libraries nation-wide could produce a document like this one. Photos and text work together to illustrate the huge diversity of lives in one place. My personal favorite is Young Willie Leiber in his homemade milk crage wagon on September 20. 1908. The book is relevant for L.I. residents. but also for historians (and others) who wish to learn more about American town life - the objects and occupations of peoples actual day-to-day lives.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy N. W. CommanderWould have liked more before and after shots. There were some inconsistencies but over all interesting.
