Eastland, TX

Eastland is a town located in Williamson County, Texas. The population was 8,527 at the 2010 census. Eastland is home to many businesses and attractions, including the Eastland Mall and the Eastland County Courthouse. The town's economy is based on retail sales and services.

Eastland was founded in 1892 by J.D. Hill and W.H. Dillard as a small railroad stop on the Houston & Texas Central Railroad line between Dallas and Austin. The town was named for Colonel William Hays Eastland, an early settler of Williamson County who served as governor of Texas from 1887 to 1889 and as United States Secretary of War from 1898 to 1901.

The first business in Eastland was a general store operated by J.D Hill and W H Dillard which sold goods such as groceries, hardware, clothing, cigars, liquor, ammunition and farm supplies to travelers on the railroad line passing through town.[1] In 1904 Rufus Peebles opened a drugstore which became one of the main businesses in town.[2]

In 1906 A C Wharton opened a furniture store which became one of the main businesses in town.[3] In 1907 Leland Gentry opened a grocery store which became one of the main businesses in town.[4]

In 1909 A C Wharton built what would become known as "the Big Store" which featured an ice cream parlor on the first floor,[5] later becoming known as "the Palace". This building still stands today (as of 2018) and is currently used for various purposes including retail space for various stores[6].

In 1912 J E White built what would become known as "the White House",[7] later becoming known as "the Blue House". This building still stands today (as of 2018) but has been converted into apartments.[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]

In 1916 C W Fain built what would become known as "the Fain Building",[16] later becoming known as "the Bank Building". This building still stands today (as of 2018) but has been converted into apartments.[17][18][19][20]

In 1918 Rufus Peebles built what would become known as "Peebles' Drug Store",[21] later becoming know