May 4, 2003: Longview voters ousted an incumbent mayor for the third straight time as local businessman Murray Moore defeated Mayor Earl Roberts by an almost two-to-one vote margin.
May 3, 1959: Lake Cherokee had risen five feet by late morning from the previous day’s level after a deluge of more than 8 inches of rain. Damage to flooded homes, washed-out bridges, ruined boathouses, swamped boats and other property was estimated at more than $2 million.
Editor’s note: Pioneer Longview businessman Oliver Pegues, then a Hallsville resident, was a passenger aboard the first train west from that city to Longview in 1871. The historic journey was recalled, along with other incidents, in 1931 for the News-Journal by Pegues, then 83.
Two years of planning culminated in a February party that drew between 1,200 and 1,300 guests to celebrate Longview’s 150th birthday.
The railroad created Longview, and transportation helps make it what it is today.
On April 28, 1870, legislation was introduced in the Texas Legislature to “incorporate the town of Longview, Upshur County.” (Gregg County didn’t exist until 1873, when Gregg was carved out of what had been the southern portion of Upshur.)
So, who was the man we call the “Father of Longview”?
<p>As a town founded by the railroad, Longview has always been connected to railways and, at one time, boasted three depots. Now, the 1940 Longview Train Depot is the only one remaining.</p>
<p>The Rucker-Campbell House was constructed in 1872 by Asa Rucker, who was the owner of a large sawmill. The Rucker family were the original builders and owners of the house.</p>
Transportation posed a problem for early residents of Longview.