New Historical Marker in Van, Texas
VAN ZANDT COUNTY HISTORICAL COMMISSION JOINS CITY OF VAN IN CELEBRATION
The Van Zandt County Historical Commission and the City of Van celebrated the glory days of train travel and the Van oil boom with the unveiling of a new historical marker on May 10, 2025, at the Van Area Oil and Historical Museum. The Railroad Spur Line to Van Oil Field marker celebrates the opening in 1930 of the Texas & Pacific Railway short line to the heart of the Van oilfield.
Sherrie Archer, Marker Chairwoman of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission, opened the ceremony by thanking the City of Van for its cooperation in making the historical marker possible. She thanked the Oil Museum for all they do, and she praised Linda Mays of the Historical Commission for doing the research for the application to the State of Texas for the marker. Ernie Burns, the Mayor of Van, addressed the crowd, expressing appreciation to the Oil Museum and the Historical Commission for its work in the county. Jeff Hudgens, Interim City Manager of Van, stressed the partnership between the Oil Museum and the City of Van and the museum’s importance in bringing attention and visitors to Van. He thanked the Public Works Department of Van and the work of its staff, such as Kevin Johnson (Director), Trent Pamplin and Branden Brown in ensuring the marker was properly welded and placed and the event space was prepared. Dwayne Wheeler gave the invocation and benediction.
Linda Mays spoke regarding the history of the Van oilfield and the building of the “spur line” from Grand Saline to Van in 1930. Ms. Mays described how treacherous the unpaved county roads were in 1929, when the Jarman discovery well started pumping oil in Van. There was an immediate rush to develop the field and bring in heavy oilfield equipment. The local roads, prone to deep mud during bad weather, made the transport of equipment a tough slog. To solve the problem, the Texas Short Line Railway Company built a spur line from the rail line in Grand Saline to Van in record time. The new line opened in July 1930. The line to Van played a critical role in the rapid development of the oilfield. The line also transported other cargo, particularly agricultural products like tomatoes, as well as passengers. With the building of better roads and the decline of the oilfield, eventually the line closed, and its tracks were removed.
The marker was unveiled by Mayor Burns and by Lisa Mays-Gonzalez of the Van Zandt County Historical Commission. The marker text was read aloud by Samantha Smith, Van City Council member. Many Historical Commission members attended, including Elvis Allen, Chairman of the Commission. The crowd enjoyed beautiful weather at the ceremony, held outside in front of the museum, which is a short distance from the middle of Van. May 10 was National Train Day, highlighting the significance of the celebration. The museum was open for tours. Attendees took advantage of the opportunity to see the vast number of photos and items in the collection.
The Railroad Spur Line to Van Oil Field marker is permanently located near the Oil Museum. Other Texas Historical Markers located in the city of Van include the Jarman Discovery Well, Van, Site of the Pure Oil Camp, Swindall School, Van Common School, Van School 1929-1947, Van Methodist Church, and C.S. Nicks.
Additional photos of the event are featured below.
62nd Birthday
The Van Zandt County Historical Commission celebrated its 62nd anniversary on Monday, January 20, at its regular public meeting at the Sarah Norman Public Library in Canton, Texas. It was a quiet celebration, after regular business had been conducted.
Commission members Linda Mays and Lisa Mays-Gonzalez donated the festive anniversary cake enjoyed by all. Members reminisced about the Commission’s many accomplishments and challenges in recent years—including the Covid pandemic, which never stopped the group from meeting and working. Effects of Covid and other matters did delay the Commission’s 60-year celebration, which would have taken place in early 2023. The Van Zandt County Historical Commission was created on January 19, 1963, and has worked to tell the story of the county’s past since then.
Elvis Allen, Chairman of the Commission, noted that the group is looking to the future. “We are focusing on outreach, in person and through our website and our Facebook and Instagram pages. We’re continuing our work on getting historical markers approved in the county, recognizing historic businesses and finding historic cemeteries. The Commission is not alone in preserving county history: We’re working with the many history museums and associations in the county to make sure as much of our past is preserved and available for future generations to enjoy.”
