Founded in 1845 as a steamboat port at the entryway to western markets from the Red River, Jefferson was a thriving center of trade until the steamboat traffic dried up in the 1870s. During its heyday, the town monopolized the shipping of cotton from all points west for 150 miles. Jefferson was the unofficial capital of East Texas, but it was also typical of boom towns in general. For this topical examination of a frontier town, Bagur draws from many government documents, but also from newspaper ads and plats. These sources provide intimate details of the lives of the early citizens of Jefferson, Texas. Their story is of interest to both local and state historians as well as to the many readers interested in capturing the flavor of life in old-time East Texas. “Astoundingly complete and a model for local history research, with appeal far beyond readers who have specific interests in Jefferson.”—Fred Tarpley, author of Jefferson: Riverport to the Southwest

Photograph of train #600 in Jefferson, Texas. There are men working on the front end of the train as well as a large group of men behind it. Two cranes can be seen on either side of the engine. Written below the image are "[sic] Jefferson, Texas Mar 15 1946 (Broken Rail) #600 2-10-4" and "R. H. Carlson."

Photograph of T&P train #600 wrecked in Jefferson, Texas due to a broken rail. A man can be seen to the right of the wreckage inspecting the train. Written below the image are "Jefferson, Texas Mar 15 1946 (broken rail) #600 2-10-4" and "R. H. Carlson."

Weekly newspaper from Jefferson, Texas that includes local, state and national news along with extensive advertising.

Daily newspaper from Jefferson, Texas that includes local, state and national news along with extensive advertising.