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History
in a Pecan Shell
Ralls, the largest town in Crosby County was founded by John Robinson
Ralls. He was also the town’s benefactor. W. E. McLaughlin helped
Ralls plat the townsite in July of 1911.
Ralls paid to have a number of businesses and houses moved from the
community of Emma. The idea was to be
near the Santa Fe Railroad tracks – a move that rarely failed. Ralls
also donated land for a new school and in 1913 a new school opened
in a $17,000 building.
Ralls plan bore fruit. Being on the railroad brought the town prosperity
unimaginable in Emma. Most importantly
the railroad brought an infusion of settlers – the lifeblood of any
embryonic town.
The chamber of commerce was founded in 1917, with John’s brother Percy
as president.
Ralls was incorporated in 1922 with a population of just under 1,000
Rallites.
Ralls suffered like many Texas towns during the 1930s – but almost
exactly halfway through the decade – June 19th, 1935 – Ralls suffered
one of Texas’ worst hailstorms. Two citizens were killed and the cotton
compress was left without a roof. Our source doesn’t include a tally
on damage to the crops – which had to have been costly and destructive.
Irrigation improved crop production and helped Ralls withstand the
droughts of the early 50s. |
Ralls Attractions:
The Ralls
Historical Museum: 801 Main Street
Governor Preston Smith (The only Texas Governor to be named after
a downtown Houston intersection) dedicated this museum in March
of 1970. It’s housed in the former John Ralls Bank building and
contains a trove of Crosby County artifacts, relics and historical
items.
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