Discover the History of Richmond, Texas

Feb. 28, 2014 - PRLog -- Next in Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is Richmond from local authors Clinton Drake and Theresa Jach. Releasing on March 17, 2014, the pictorial history shows off more than 200 vintage images that capture the essence of this Texas city.

This new book chronicles the history of Richmond from its incorporation in 1837. Originally called “Fort Bend” and “Fort Settlement,” the city was a prosperous river port and became a boomtown with the completion of the first railroad in Texas in 1855. Images throughout the book depict the well-known stories of the area, as well as the little-known histories of the area. The book chronicles one of the most notorious episodes in Richmond’s history the Jay Bird–Woodpecker War in 1888–1889, which led to a gun battle on the streets between the two political factions.

Authors Clinton Drake and Theresa Jach also showcase Richmond’s notable historical figures, including Jane Long, “Mother of Texas;” Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of the Republic of Texas; “Deaf” Smith, Texas Revolutionary scout; Carry A. Nation, temperance activist with a penchant for smashing up saloons with a hatchet; and Hilmar Moore, longest-serving US mayor. Drake and Jack write, “Richmond, as the seat of Fort Bend County, is home to many historical government buildings and impressive homes, among them, the courthouse and the home of Jane Long.”  Richmond catalogues the unique history, personal stories and beautiful places of the area for future generations to enjoy.

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States.  Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places.  Have we done a book on your town?  Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com/.