BURLESON HISTORY
BURLESON HISTORY
The town of Burleson was founded in 1882, with the construction of the M-K and T through what was then open range country. The fledgling town was named by one of the founders, Mr. H. C. Renfro, in honor of the pioneer educator and preacher, Dr. Rufus C. Burleson, who was later to become the president of Baylor University. Prior to the coming of the railroad, another village, which Burleson was destined to succeed, was built on the southeast slope of Brushy Mound. Then known as Red Oak Academy, that early village was built up around a pioneer Presbyterian school of that name. Following an outbreak of typhoid fever, the academy declined and was later abandoned in favor of the thriving town of Burleson.
Burleson’s first school was started in 1901 following the relocation of the old Red Oak Academy school building to a site just north of the present school. In 1909 the school building was destroyed by fire. Although this was a heavy blow to the community, its public-spirited citizens rose to the occasion. It was at this time that the Burleson Independent School District was formed and by vote of the people, bonds were sold for the erection of a new building. While the new structure was being erected, school was carried on uninterrupted in such public buildings as churches and lodge halls. It is indeed fortunate that Burleson was endowed in those early days with many public spirited and progressive citizens. The new school, of masonry construction and what was then a very modern design, was opened for classes in the fall of 1910 and is still serving the community as a portion of the school plant. As a sidelight to the construction of the school building, it should be noted that all transportation in this area was provided by horse-drawn vehicles. Children for miles around either walked to school, rode horseback, or came by buggy. For many years the north and east edges of the school grounds were set aside for covered stables or hitching posts. These facilities were used year after year by various families until their children graduated. Like most settlements in those early days, the religious needs of the people were soon provided for. Soon after founding the township, congregations were organized and church buildings constructed. The earliest churches were Primitive Baptist, Methodist, Missionary Baptist, and Presbyterian. The early churches not only provided for the spiritual needs of the people, but were also centers of most community activities. During the early days after its founding, Burleson was the center of a wide livestock raising area. As the prairie succumbed to the plow the town developed into a prosperous farming community. Businesses founded to serve the farmers included the usual general merchandise stores, blacksmith shops, and livery stables necessary in those days. Because Burleson was a days drive from Fort Worth by wagon or buggy, certain other enterprises were founded which made the town somewhat unique for its size. The first post office was opened in a local saloon in 1884. A large grain elevator and flour mill was constructed and flourished for many years. The first newspaper was started by a Mr. Newton and has been in continuous publication since those early days. A waterworks was founded by Mr. A.G. Borah and was organized around a single windmill located on the site of the present city office. Two cotton gins served the needs of the area for several decades. The present bank was organized in 1913 and has served the served the community since that time. The community became almost self-sufficient in producing and manufacturing the basic needs of the pioneer settlers. The building of the city on the virgin prairie posted many problems for the pioneers. One of the first to be encountered was the need for a cemetery. Accordingly, the city fathers formed the Burleson Cemetery Association and in 1909 purchased five acres of land east of the village for use as a cemetery. As the town grew, a need developed for additional land for building purposes. To fill this need the Cummings and Clark additions were added to the townsite. The former was located on the northwest edge of town while the latter was on the east. These two additions provided all needed building sites for many years. Following World War II, however, the need again arose for building sites to serve the influx of families who desired to live and rear their children in this community. The first of the recent additions was the Mound addition, developed by Haskew and Gamble. Following this, other additions have come in rapid succession. These, in order of development, are Tarrant, Crestmoor, and Montclair. About a decade after the turn of the century the Northern Texas Traction Company constructed an inter-urban railway system through Burleson which connected Fort Worth with Cleburne. Passengers and freight service was provided through Burleson on an hourly schedule. This constituted the first break in the isolation of Burleson from the larger cities north and south. Although horse drawn vehicles remained in use until recent years, the inter-urban marked the beginning of the end of that mode of travel. The rapid increase in the use of the automobile and the construction of improved roads completed the break in Burleson's isolation. The result has been a decline in some businesses and an introduction of others. Following the construction of the inter-urban system, electric lights came to Burleson. It was about this time also that the forward thinking citizens decided to incorporate their village. By a vote of the people, the town did become a city of the act of incorporation in 1913. Although the inter-urban system was abandoned in the early 1930s, modern automobiles and highways have forever broken the city's isolation and increased its dependence on other cities. For the same reason Burleson has become the center of commerce for a much larger area and has continued to grow and prosper. The city acquired ownership of the waterworks and constructed its first sewer system in 1938. Other community projects include the organization of the Burleson Farmers Cooperative and more recently, a medical clinic. The need for a community service organization prompted a group of citizens to organize the Burleson Lions Club. Under the guidance of its first president, G.K. Deering, it began the sponsorship of community projects for the betterment of the city. Since its organization it has continued to serve the area well by its backing of many worthwhile public improvements. Our city is in the midst of its greatest period of growth in our history. We are moving forward and should continue to do so. It would be well at this time to reflect on the humble beginnings of our city. The untiring efforts of our predecessors in meeting and solving problems should inspire us in our efforts to face and resolve the difficulties of this day. We must grow in a progressive manner or face the prospect of stagnation. Burleson is fortunate by reason of its location and resources. May we continue to follow the example set by our founders and provide an even better community for our children. © Noble Clark 1959 NOTE: This article was found in old files stored at the library.