Let’s go through the history of Midlothian, TX from the perspective of development.
Mid-19th century
Between 1870 to 1880 the population increased by three times. The reason for this sudden increase was due to the connectivity offered by the railroads. Cattle-raising and farming were two main occupations that also led to the growth of the region.
The railroad increased the possibilities of trading and made it easier to acquire new equipment for implementing advanced farming techniques. With these new developments, Ellis County gained prominence as the leading producer of cotton.
Around 25 businesses blossomed at that time at Midlothian.
The first school
In 1850, Midlothian got its first school. It was just a log cabin with earthen flooring. The people of the county used is to conduct meetings. The place also served as a church for the people.
Inception of educational institutions
In 1883, Midlothian got its first Polytechnic Institute in Kimmel Park. William Wesley Works founded the institute and ran it as a private coeducational boarding school. Primary and high education with full curriculum was offered at the institute.
The school was later merged with Midlothian public schools in 1903 and came to be known as Midlothian College. Kimmel Park still has a marker to remind visitors about the first school’s history.
Progress arrived with the railroads
Railroads were a turning point in the history of Midlothian, TX. July 4, 1883, marked the arrival of the first locomotive at Santa Fe Depot, Cleburne. In 1886, more trains connected Midlothian to New Orleans and Fort Worth.
Later, two highways were built passing Midlothian. The location of Midlothian was advantageous to new businesses and industries who needed good connectivity. Midlothian was a central region for access to many cities.
While the industrial growth took Midlothian to greater heights, the fertile soil also paved ways for agricultural growth in early 1990’s.
Post World War II
In the mid-1900s, the limestone-rich reserves caught the attention of businessmen such as Texas Industries, Inc., Holcim, Ash Grove Texas and other built their cement plants in the region.
Steel and Power industries also gained momentum. A town that housed 25 people once upon a time, now has Gerdau Ameristeel, that employs more than thousands in their steel plant. Midlothian’s Gerdau Ameristeel is the second largest producer of structural steel in North America.
The Auto Park and Rail Port, these two industrial parks took the industrial development to the next level in Midlothian. Towards the 1980’s, the 600-acre Auto Park started automobile processing and distribution to leading automobile companies such as Toyota, Kia, Mazda, and others.
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The history of Midlothian, TX represents a century of progress that turned a small unknown region into a flourishing city, flocked by people enjoying the benefits of modernization. The railroads and industrial growth have led to educational, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the current generation.
