From the perspective of 90 years, W.A. “Tex” Moncrief Jr. still remembers the hazy, rainy day the well came in. It was a day that forever changed East Texas history.
Two years of planning culminated in a February party that drew between 1,200 and 1,300 guests to celebrate Longview’s 150th birthday.
East Texas was traversed by several roads, or “traces,” prior to the Revolution of 1836 that separated the country from Mexico.
Transportation posed a problem for early residents of Longview.
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.
<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>
<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>
So, who was the man we call the “Father of Longview”?
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.)
The railroad created Longview, and transportation helps make it what it is today.