San Jacinto County Historical Commission

Preserving East Texas Heritage

San Jacinto County, nestled in the piney woods of East Texas, was established on August 13, 1870, from portions of Polk, Walker, Trinity, and Montgomery counties.  Named to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, which clinched Texas' independence from Mexico and paved the way for the Republic of Texas, the county reflects a storied heritage of exploration and growth. The region's early history traces back to Native American tribes such as the Atakapa and Patiri, who inhabited the area before European contact. Spanish explorers traversed the territory, but permanent Anglo-American settlement began in the early 19th century along the Trinity River, with agriculture like cotton and corn forming the economic base. Following the Civil War, the lumber industry surged, fueled by vast pine forests, sawmills, and railroads that connected communities and drove population growth. Oil discoveries in the early 20th century added to the economic landscape, though on a modest scale. Today, San Jacinto County honors its past through preserved sites, historical markers, and community events that highlight its contributions to Texas' development. Encompassing rural hamlets and scenic stretches along the Trinity River, it offers a window into the resilient narrative of East Texas.



The San Jacinto County Historic Commission meets at the Courthouse on the first Thursday of each month.
1 State Hwy. 150
Coldspring, Texas 77331



Old Coldspring Jail and Village

200 Commerical Ave, Coldspring, TX 77331
(936) 653-2009