Early Spanish explorers bestowed the name Bosque (pronounced boss-kee) meaning "wooded." The first survey for land grants in the Bosque Valley came about in 1839. In 1849, a few years after Texas attained statehood, the first permanent settlers arrived to a territory still roamed by Native Americans. By 1854, the number of settlers living in Bosque Territory had increased, and Bosque County was created. Merdian was named the County seat.
Lured by fertile, inexpensive land, more settlers came -- mostly Anglo-Americans moving west with the frontier, and Norwegian and German immigrants. The pioneer farmers and ranchers were industrious and creative. They built homes, churches and schools, mills for their wheat, gins for their cotton, and produced a thriving livestock business. Bustling communities sprang up, and small towns flourished through the turn of the century. As America changed, so did Bosque County.
County’s fourth courthouse. First, in 1854, was one-room log cabin.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark – 1965
Entered in the National Register of historic places – 1977
Alison Nelson
(1822-1862)
Soldier, statesman and Indian fighter. In his native Georgia, a legislator and mayor of city of Atlanta. General in Cuban Liberation forces. 1850.
On reaching Texas 1856, joined state troops fighting indians. Elected 189 to State Legislature; served as delegate to 1861 Texas secession convention.
In the Civil War raised. Trained and led 10th Regiment Texas Infantry. Sent into defense of Arkansas. Repulsed federal assault on Devall’s Bluff, June 1862. Died of illness in camp near Austin, Arkansas, October 7, 1862.
(1964)
