In 'A Brief History of Upshur County' by G. H. Baird, readers are taken on a journey through the rich and storied past of a small county in West Virginia. Baird's writing style is clear, concise, and informative, making this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in local history. Through detailed research and engaging storytelling, Baird explores the cultural, economic, and social developments that have shaped Upshur County over the years, offering a unique perspective on the region's heritage. The book is filled with fascinating anecdotes, maps, and photographs that bring the history of Upshur County to life. With its thoughtful analysis and well-documented facts, this book is a must-read for history enthusiasts, scholars, and residents of Upshur County alike. G. H. Baird's passion for local history shines through in this comprehensive and engaging account, making 'A Brief History of Upshur County' a compelling read for anyone interested in exploring the past of this vibrant community.

Title: A Brief History of Upshur CountyAuthor: G. H. BairdLanguage: English

Carved out of the virgin East Texas forest in the early days of Texas statehood, Gilmer has a diverse and rich history, evolving from a center of cotton production to a town enjoying a lumbering boom at the dawn of the 20th century. Many associate the city with its well-known fall festival-the East Texas Yamboree-celebrated annually during the third weekend of October. Created to publicize the production of sweet potatoes in the sandy soils of the county, the Yamboree has adapted to changing times as it continues into its eighth decade. Proud of their traditions, the people of Gilmer and the surrounding Upshur County face the challenges of the 21st century with confidence in what they have accomplished.

The Third Texas Cavalry Regiment, recruited from twenty-six counties of northeastern Texas, was one of the most famous Confederate units from the Lone Star State. Douglas Hale narrates troop movements and battle actions, sensitively portraying the sufferings and private thoughts of individual cavalrymen and their commanders as they marched back and forth across the Southern landscape.

Was Gasoline, Texas, named in honor of a gas station? Nope, but the name does honor the town’s original claim to fame: a gasoline-powered cotton gin. Is Paris, Texas, a reference to Paris, France? Yes: Thomas Poteet, who donated land for the town site, thought it would be an improvement over “Pin Hook,” the original name of the Lamar County seat. Ding Dong’s story has a nice ring to it, derived from two store owners named Bell, who lived in Bell County, of course. Tracing the turning points, fascinating characters, and cultural crossroads that shaped Texas history, Texas Place Names provides the colorful stories behind these and more than three thousand other county, city, and community names. Drawing on in-depth research to present the facts behind the folklore, linguist Edward Callary also clarifies pronunciations (it’s NAY-chis for Neches, referring to a Caddoan people whose name was attached to the Neches River during a Spanish expedition). A great resource for road trippers and historians alike, Texas Place Names alphabetically charts centuries of humanity through the enduring words (and, occasionally, the fateful spelling gaffes) left behind by men and women from all walks of life.