Huntington, Texas: A Railroad Town
historical marker
In Angelina County, settlers attempted to establish a townsite in this area during the 1890s. However, it was the arrival of the railroad lines that truly attracted a thriving population. Huntington was carved from virgin forests, emerging during the peak of the southern pine timber industry. The town was officially established in 1900. It was named in honor of Collis P. Huntington, who was the chairman of the Southern Pacific Railroad board. E.A. Blount and W.J. Townsend, Sr., were instrumental in establishing the townsite, selling lots at a public auction in June of 1900. The railroad line connecting Beaumont to Dallas was built through Huntington in May 1903. This historical marker, commemorating Huntington's origins, was erected in 2000.